Uganda’s government has introduced a controversial bill in parliament that would grant military tribunals the authority to try civilians. This move follows a January ruling by the Supreme Court declaring such practices unconstitutional.
The court’s decision had previously led to the transfer of opposition politician Kizza Besigye’s case to a civilian court, where he faces charges of treason and other crimes. Besigye, a former presidential candidate who has contested President Yoweri Museveni four times, claims the charges are politically motivated.
Minister of Defence Jacob Marksons Oboth presented the “Uganda People’s Defence Forces Bill, 2025” on Tuesday. The bill, which was referred to a parliamentary committee for review, would allow civilians to be tried by military courts in exceptional cases, such as unlawful possession of weapons or military equipment.
Besigye’s legal troubles began in November when he was forcibly removed from Nairobi and presented in a Ugandan military court, facing charges of firearm possession. Kenyan authorities denied any involvement in what was described as an abduction.
The bill also targets individuals who aid or abet soldiers in committing crimes like treason, murder, and robbery.
Human rights groups and opposition politicians have long criticized the use of military courts as a tool for suppressing dissent. David Lewis Rubongoya, from Uganda’s National Unity Platform, warned that the new law would be used to target regime critics and stifle growing opposition.
The proposed legislation has sparked fears of further political persecution in Uganda’s already tense political climate.