Uganda Enacts Law Allowing Military Trials for Civilians

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed legislation enabling civilians to be tried in military courts, a move facing significant criticism amid concerns it could be used to suppress political opposition ahead of the country’s 2026 general elections.

The law was enacted despite a Supreme Court ruling in January that deemed it unconstitutional to try civilians in military courts. That ruling followed the case of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was abducted in Kenya last November and later appeared before a Ugandan military tribunal charged with treason—an offense punishable by death. His case was subsequently transferred to a civilian court.

The new law introduces exceptions allowing civilians to face military justice in certain cases, such as the illegal possession of weapons or military equipment—charges that also apply to Besigye.

Uganda’s parliament confirmed the law’s signing via an announcement on the social media platform X.

Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, denounced the law, describing it as a tool for unjustly detaining and prosecuting political figures. Besigye has been in detention for over six months without trial, exceeding the legal limit.

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, accused the government of using the law to systematically target opposition members.

Human rights attorney Eron Kiiza, who was previously imprisoned by a military court while defending Besigye, stated his intention to challenge the new legislation in court.

Rights organizations have linked Besigye’s treatment and the passing of the law to political maneuvering ahead of the 2026 election, in which Museveni, now 80 and in power since 1986, is expected to seek another term.

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