Uganda’s Parliament Passes Bill Allowing Military Trials of Civilians, Sparking Human Rights Concerns
In a move that has raised alarm among human rights advocates, Uganda’s parliament has passed a bill that would allow civilians to be tried in military courts. The 2025 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, which now awaits President Yoweri Museveni’s signature, has been criticized for its potential to undermine the country’s justice system and silence political opposition.
The bill’s passage comes just months after the Supreme Court ruled that military trials of civilians were unconstitutional and lacked jurisdiction. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has also weighed in, stating that military courts should never have jurisdiction over civilians under any circumstances. Despite these warnings, President Museveni has vowed to restore military trials of civilians, sparking concerns about the erosion of human rights in the country.
Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of military court trials in Uganda that have been marred by a lack of due process, independence, and impartiality. The military courts have been used to target Museveni’s political opponents, including former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, who was charged with possessing military equipment and remains in detention awaiting trial. Besigye’s lawyer, Eron Kiiza, was also sentenced to nine months in jail for contempt of court after an altercation with a military tribunal.
The revised law poses significant risks to the rights of political opposition ahead of Uganda’s general elections in 2026. The authorities have already begun to crack down on dissent, beating and detaining journalists and abducting opposition supporters. Oryem Nyeko, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, has urged President Museveni not to sign the bill, warning that it would "stem the tide of repression against his political opponents ahead of the elections."
As Uganda prepares for its upcoming elections, the international community is watching with concern. The passage of this bill has significant implications for the country’s human rights record and its commitment to democratic principles. With the fate of the bill now in President Museveni’s hands, many are holding their breath, hoping that he will choose to uphold the principles of justice and human rights rather than sign a law that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the people of Uganda.
