Uganda: Museveni Signs Controversial Law Reinstating Military Trials for Civilians Amid Rising Political Tensions

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has signed a new law restoring the military’s authority to try civilians, sparking outrage among rights groups and opposition leaders. Critics warn the move threatens civil liberties and could be used to silence political opponents ahead of the 2026 elections.

• Law Signed: Museveni signed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025 on June 16.

• Legal Shift: The law allows civilians accused of “politically motivated armed violence” to face military trials.

• Supreme Court Reversal: This overrides a January 2025 Supreme Court ruling that banned such trials as unconstitutional.

• Opposition Outcry: Politicians and activists say the law could be used to suppress dissent ahead of the 2026 general elections.

• Human Rights Concerns: Groups warn military courts lack transparency, fairness, and accountability.

• Next Steps: Legal challenges and civil society protests are expected in the coming weeks.

KAMPALA, Uganda (iNewsAfrica) — President Yoweri Museveni has signed a contentious new law reauthorizing military tribunals to prosecute civilians — a move that critics say marks a dangerous erosion of constitutional protections in Uganda.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025 was signed into law on June 16, barely five months after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled such trials to be unconstitutional. The newly signed bill now empowers military courts to try civilians suspected of “politically motivated armed violence,” a term rights groups say is ambiguous and politically loaded.

“This is not about justice — it’s about stifling dissent,” said Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform. “We’re witnessing a militarization of our justice system.”

The opposition and civil rights activists fear the new law could be used to target critics of the government, including high-profile figures like Wine and longtime opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who have previously faced military court charges under similar provisions.

Legal experts argue the move directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s January judgment, which declared the military trial of civilians to be a breach of Uganda’s constitutional order.

“This new law undermines the very foundation of civilian oversight and justice,” warned lawyer and rights activist Nicholas Opiyo. “Military courts lack independence and are prone to abuse.”

The legislation was passed by Uganda’s Parliament in May despite widespread criticism. Supporters of the bill claim it is necessary to counter armed threats and preserve national security. However, observers say it is part of a broader pattern of authoritarianism as Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, positions himself and his ruling party ahead of the 2026 elections.

Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Chapter Four Uganda, have pledged to challenge the law in court. Protests and civic campaigns are expected to follow.

As the political temperature in Uganda rises, all eyes are on how the judiciary, civil society, and international observers will respond to a development that could reshape the country’s democratic landscape.

Reporting by iNewsAfrica Political Desk | East Africa Bureau