Back to the Barracks: Uganda Reopens Military Courts for Civilians — Critics Say It's a Weapon Against Dissent
In a move stirring fresh waves of controversy, President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law an amendment allowing civilians to once again face military trials under certain conditions — just months after the Supreme Court ruled the practice unconstitutional.
Critics, opposition leaders, and rights groups are calling it a dangerous backslide — one that reopens a legal door used for decades to intimidate, silence, and punish critics of the regime.
A Courtroom Comeback No One Asked For
The original law allowed civilians found with military items—such as firearms or army uniforms—to be tried in military courts. But in January, Uganda’s highest court slammed the brakes, ruling the system unconstitutional, unfair, and not fit for civilian justice.
So why is it back?
Last month, under heavy police presence and without the opposition (who boycotted the session), Parliament pushed through an amended version, now signed into law.
What’s New (and What’s Not)?
The amendment tries to clean up the image of military courts by requiring:
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Legally qualified personnel to preside over cases
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A stated commitment to independence and impartiality
But here’s the kicker: civilians can still be tried in military courts if found with military hardware — a condition rights activists say is easily abused.
Opposition Fumes: “We’re Being Targeted”
Opposition leader Bobi Wine didn’t mince words:
“All of us in the opposition are being targeted by the act.”
And he’s not alone. The Uganda Law Society has already promised to challenge the amendment’s constitutionality in court.
Silencing Dissent, Again?
For years, activists claimed the military court system was a political weapon, not a justice tool. Many allege:
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Planted evidence used to charge critics
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Long detentions with no trials or verdicts
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Harsh punishments compared to civilian courts
“If you’re a political opponent, they’ll find a way to drag you before a military court — and once you’re there, justice will never visit your door,”
said rights lawyer Gawaya Tegulle on the Focus on Africa podcast.
High-Profile Arrests: From Kenya to the Dock
In November, longtime opposition figure Kizza Besigye was arrested in Kenya, brought across the border, and charged in a military court for allegedly possessing pistols and trying to buy weapons abroad — charges he denied.
After the Supreme Court’s ruling, the case was moved to a civilian court, and the original charges were dropped — but new ones quickly followed.
Museveni’s Response: “Judges Don’t Run the Country”
Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, wasn’t shy about his stance:
“The country is not governed by the judges. It is governed by the people.”
He called the court’s decision to shut down military trials a “wrong decision,” arguing that civilian courts are too slow to deal with “gun-wielding criminals.”
His defense? Military courts help quickly deal with violent threats, especially when the regular justice system is “overwhelmed.”