Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has enacted an amendment that reintroduces military trials for civilians under certain conditions. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling in January that deemed previous provisions for military trials unconstitutional, addressing concerns that such courts were misused to suppress dissent. Historically, civilians could be tried in military courts for possessing military assets like arms or uniforms.
This amendment was green-lighted by parliament, amidst protest and a heavy security presence, with opposition lawmakers absent from voting. Despite the inclusion of qualifications for military tribunal leaders, critics—including prominent opposition figure Bobi Wine—argue that the law is a mechanism for political persecution, targeting opposition members.
The Uganda Law Society announced plans to challenge the amendment's constitutionality, voicing concerns that military courts are rife with abuse. Human rights advocates have claimed that the use of military courts is a government tactic for silencing political enemies, with accusations of fabricated evidence and unfair sentencing.
A notable incident involving opposition leader Kizza Besigye underscores these fears, as he was charged in military court before his case was later moved to a civilian court. President Museveni has defended military trials as a means to combat violent crime, claiming civilian courts are ill-equipped to process cases efficiently. Despite his assertions, the amendment’s enactment continues to stoke fears of heightened political repression in Uganda.
