Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled on Friday that civilians cannot be tried in military courts, a landmark decision that could halt the treason trial of former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye.
Besigye, once a trusted ally of President Yoweri Museveni, has been a prominent opposition figure for 25 years.
His trial in a military court has drawn criticism from his supporters, including his wife, UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima, who called the proceedings a “sham.”
In a statement from Kampala, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo announced the court’s ruling, which mandates that all civilian trials currently in military courts be transferred to civilian courts immediately.
Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, hailed the ruling, calling it an end to the “impunity” of military tribunals. He expressed confidence that the decision would lead to the release of Besigye and others wrongly detained.
The ruling is seen as a significant shift, as Uganda’s military courts have often been criticized for lacking impartiality in civilian trials. The Chief Justice emphasized that military courts answer to the armed forces, undermining their fairness in such cases.
The case of former opposition MP Michael Kabaziguruka, who successfully challenged his military trial, played a key role in shaping the court’s decision. Kabaziguruka said the ruling “opened a democratic window” in Uganda.
The United Nations has praised the Supreme Court’s decision, urging the government to swiftly comply. Rights organizations have long expressed concern about the suppression of opposition voices ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections.
Besigye’s arrest in November has drawn international attention, with critics accusing the government of using military courts to silence dissent. The ruling now raises questions about the fairness of his ongoing trial and the broader political landscape in Uganda.