KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has signed a controversial amendment into law that reinstates the trial of civilians in military courts—just months after the Supreme Court ruled the practice unconstitutional.
The newly passed law, approved by Parliament in May under tight police security and boycotted by opposition MPs, allows civilians found in possession of military hardware—such as firearms, ammunition, or army uniforms—to be prosecuted in military tribunals.
The amendment attempts to address past concerns by requiring that military court officials be legally qualified, independent, and impartial.
However, critics argue the changes are merely cosmetic and the law remains a powerful tool for suppressing dissent.
“All of us in the opposition are being targeted by the act,” opposition leader Bobi Wine told AFP, warning of renewed political persecution.
Supreme Court Ruling Overturned
In January, Uganda’s Supreme Court declared that military courts lacked the independence and competence required to try civilians, effectively outlawing the practice.
Activists hailed the ruling as a win for justice and constitutional order.
However, Museveni quickly condemned the decision, insisting it was “wrong” and claiming judges should not override the will of the people.
“The country is not governed by judges. It is governed by the people,” Museveni said at the time.
Human rights groups have long criticized Uganda’s military courts as instruments of political repression.
They say critics of the government are routinely framed, denied bail, and left in indefinite detention while awaiting approval from senior military officials.
“If you’re a political opponent, they’ll find a way to drag you before the military court—where justice will never visit your door,” human rights lawyer Gawaya Tegulle said in February.
A Tool to Silence Dissent?
The amendment comes amid a wider government clampdown on political opposition and civic freedoms.
Last year, long-time opposition figure Kizza Besigye was arrested in Kenya and charged in a Ugandan military court with illegal possession of firearms—charges later dropped after the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Army spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi defended the legislation, saying it is designed to protect national security and deter armed political groups.
“The law will deal decisively with armed violent criminals… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Magezi posted on X.
Congratulations Your Excellency for this noble and patriotic duty. Discipline in the Defence Forces will be secure, violent armed criminals will be deterred, and Uganda will be safer. Excellent for business!@KagutaMuseveni @MODVA_UPDF @mkainerugaba @GCICUganda
But legal experts and human rights advocates fear a return to widespread abuse.
“Military courts are not just unfair—they are weaponized,” said Tegulle. “This law opens the door to more political show trials.”
Museveni, in power since 1986, has been accused of increasingly authoritarian rule in recent years, especially as Uganda heads into its next general election cycle.
