By Matik Kueth
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has enacted legislation permitting military courts to try civilians under specific conditions, according to a statement from the country’s parliament on Monday.
The move comes despite a ruling earlier this year by the Supreme Court, which deemed such trials unconstitutional. The Court had argued that military tribunals lack both the impartiality and judicial authority necessary to handle civilian cases.
The Ugandan parliament passed a legislative amendment last month aimed at addressing the constitutional concerns.
However, the process faced strong opposition, with opposition lawmakers boycotting the vote and asserting that the revised bill still contravenes the Supreme Court’s decision.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the Ugandan government for allegedly using military courts to target political opponents of President Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades.
Government officials have dismissed these allegations, stating that only civilians involved in politically motivated armed violence are subject to military prosecution.
“The law will address violent armed offenders decisively, discourage the emergence of militant political groups attempting to undermine democratic processes, and fortify national security,” army spokesperson Chris Magezi wrote on X following the bill’s passage in May.
One notable case impacted by the Supreme Court’s earlier decision was that of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, whose military trial was subsequently transferred to a civilian court.
The new legislation could still face judicial scrutiny if challenged by citizens through the appropriate legal channels.