Museveni signs law allowing military courts to try civilians
The law, passed by 197 ruling party MPs, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and legal experts who say it defies a Supreme Court ruling that declared military trials for civilians unconstitutional.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a controversial Bill that allows military courts to try civilians in certain cases, despite a Supreme Court ruling against such trials.
The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the ruling National Resistance Movement on May 20, gives military tribunals power to handle cases involving civilians accused of treason, use of restricted weapons, and collaboration with soldiers in crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder.
Uganda’s Parliament confirmed the development in a post on its official X account on Monday, June 16, stating, “President Kaguta Museveni has assented to The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025.”
On May 21, Museveni praised legislators for passing the Bill, saying they had prevented what he called an impending crisis between the army, Parliament, and the judiciary.
“I want to congratulate the Members of Parliament for passing the UPDF Amendment Bill. There was going to be a serious problem because some people were saying if a soldier does commit a crime such as killing a person, involving in theft or rapes a woman, they should be taken to the sub county (civilian courts) instead of the court martial... Those who were involved have to repent. There was going to be a serious collision between the army, parliament, and the courts of law, but they have saved us the embarrassment,” said Museveni.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni's son, also backed the move, applauding legislators for standing firm. “Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment,” he said on May 21.
The law was passed with full backing from 197 NRM MPs who unanimously approved the amendments.
However, it has drawn strong criticism from opposition legislators, legal experts, and civil society groups who argue that it goes against a Supreme Court ruling delivered on January 31.
That ruling declared military trials for civilians unconstitutional and ordered that such cases, including that of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, be moved to civilian courts.
Opponents of the law say the new legislation lacks clarity on the exact conditions under which civilians can be subjected to military trials, and accuse Parliament of ignoring the court’s decision.
