Uganda Passes Law To Restore Military Prosecutions Of Civilians

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Uganda’s parliament approved an amendment to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, allowing military tribunals to try civilians, despite a January 2025 Supreme Court ruling that declared such trials unconstitutional.

The decision sparked protests from opposition leaders, who argue the law contradicts the court’s ruling and erodes civilian rights, citing the lack of independence and appeal mechanisms in military courts.

For the past two decades, opposition figures and human rights advocates have criticized the use of military tribunals to try civilians, alleging the government employs these courts to suppress dissent, a claim the government rejects.

In a post on the X platform, parliament confirmed the passage of the legislation. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the military, commended the speaker of parliament and government lawmakers for their support.

“Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment,” he said on X.

Military spokesman Chris Magezi defended the law, stating it “will deal decisively with armed violent criminals, deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes, and ensure national security is bound on a firm foundational base.”

During parliamentary debates, opposition MP Jonathan Odur condemned the legislation as “shallow, unreasonable and unconstitutional.” He argued, “There’s no legal basis to provide for trial of civilians in the military court.”

The law now awaits President Yoweri Museveni’s approval to take effect.

In January 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that military trials of civilians were unlawful, stating that such tribunals lacked the legal competence to conduct fair and impartial criminal trials.

The Supreme Court’s January ruling led to the transfer of opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s trial from a military court to a civilian one. Besigye, who faced charges including treason, was arrested in Kenya in 2024 and brought to Uganda for military prosecution.

Besigye’s legal team and his party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), have labeled the charges against him as politically driven. Besigye has previously run against President Museveni in four elections.

In 2018, opposition leader Bobi Wine faced charges in a military court for alleged illegal possession of firearms, though the charges were later dropped.

Human Rights Watch has previously condemned Uganda’s military courts, asserting they fail to meet international standards of competence, independence, and impartiality.

The group also noted that these courts often rely on evidence obtained through torture and disregard key fair trial principles, allegations the military denies.