Uganda Passes Controversial Bill Allowing Military Courts to Try Civilians

Ugandan lawmakers have passed a controversial bill allowing military trials for civilians, despite strong opposition warnings it threatens democracy. This legislation follows a Supreme Court ruling against court-martials for civilians and is expected to be signed by President Museveni soon, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections.

KAMPALA, Uganda — On Tuesday, Ugandan lawmakers passed a controversial bill that allows military courts to try civilians, prompting significant backlash from critics. The government-supportive legislation comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that found civilians cannot be subjected to court-martials, bringing to light concerns about military officials’ ability to fairly administer justice.

The newly passed bill permits military trials for civilians accused of offenses related to military law. Notably, it stipulates that presiding officers must possess legal qualifications, though this has not alleviated concerns. Opposition leaders and human rights activists argue that the law undermines democracy, especially as the nation approaches its next elections in 2026, calling it a threat to political dissenters.

In a move signaling their disapproval, some opposition members exited the parliamentary session during the vote, branding the legislative process as illegitimate. Chapter Four, a Ugandan rights organization, criticized the bill as an unconstitutional attempt to shift powers typically held by higher courts to military courts, which are designed specifically for military discipline cases.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has maintained a tight grip on Uganda since 1986, is anticipated to sign this bill. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling disbanding court-martials, Museveni and his son, army commander Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, expressed strong discontent, leading to swift legislative action by the government to keep military courts functional.

“The country is not governed by the judges,” Museveni stated after the ruling, reaffirming his authority. As he prepares to seek reelection in January 2026, some speculate that he may not have a clear successor in the National Resistance Movement party, heightening concerns regarding a potential political transition.

There are widespread fears that Museveni may prefer passing control to Kainerugaba, his son, in a non-violent takeover—an assertion Kainerugaba has hinted at. The political landscape further complicates with the ongoing detention of Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and former Forum for Democratic Change party president, who has been jailed since November on charges of treason, which his legal team claims are fabricated.

Uganda, having never experienced a peaceful political transition since gaining independence in 1962, remains in a precarious situation as the nation grapples with this new legislation and its implications for the future.

The Ugandan parliament has approved a bill allowing civilian trials in military courts, defying opposition and rights group concerns. Critics view this legislation as a significant threat to democracy and civil rights, particularly as elections approach in 2026. The impending signature by President Museveni signals a continuation of military influence over civilian judicial matters, raising alarm among those wary of Uganda’s political future and potential unrest during this uncertain transition.

Original Source: www.newsday.com