Uganda Reinstates Military Courts for Civilians — Critics Sound Alarm. New legislation allows civilians to be tried by military tribunals, raising serious concerns about rights, fair trial, and political suppression.

Kampala, Uganda

Uganda’s Parliament passed a controversial amendment to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, paving the way for military courts to try civilians under certain conditions.
President Museveni has since signed the bill into law, reversing a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that deemed such trials unconstitutional.

According to the new law, civilians can be tried in military tribunals if their alleged offenses involve association with military personnel or “military‑grade” criminal activity. Proponents argue this is necessary to deter the formation of militant political groups and to safeguard national security.

However, opposition leaders, legal experts, and human rights groups strongly condemn the law. They argue it undermines civil liberties, violates constitutional protections, and could be used as a political tool ahead of the 2026 elections.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that Uganda’s military justice system lacks adequate due process protections, pointing to past cases — including high-profile opposition figures — that were tried in military courts under questionable conditions.

Why It Matters:

It raises fundamental concerns about the separation of military and civilian justice systems.

Potential chilling effect on political dissent, especially among opposition figures.

May attract international criticism and impact Uganda’s human rights reputation.

What to Watch:

Legal challenges or court petitions against the new law.

How the military courts operate in practice — e.g., transparency, rights of the accused.

Reaction from civil society, regional bodies, and international partners.