Worldwide protests as President Museven inks law to make Ugandan civilians tried in Military courts

 In what is being considered to be a controversial move, the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has just signed a law on Monday, June 16, 2025, permitting military courts to try civilians.

The act is defying a prior Supreme Court ruling that deemed this practice “unconstitutional.”

This follows the Ugandan parliament’s approval of the new law on May 20, 2025, amid sharp criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations, who labelled the move a “judicial coup” undermining the independence of the judiciary. 

The new law directly challenges the previous Supreme Court decision of January 2025, which banned military trials for civilians, citing the lack of independence and legal competence in military courts. 

The Ugandan Army Chief of Staff Muhoozi Kainerugaba who now becomes a ‘God’ under this new regulation praised the law, calling it a “tool to safeguard national security.”

Muhoozi is the son of Yoweri Museveni.

On his part, the military spokesperson Chris Magezi accused the opposition figures of “forming armed groups that are threatening democracy,” in Uganda.

Human rights activists have accused the government of exploiting military courts to target opposition leaders, such as Kiiza Besigye and Bobi Wine.

Dr Kiiza Besigye, who was previously transferred to civilian court under the Supreme Court’s ruling, now faces renewed military prosecution. 

The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk urged Museveni to reject the law, warning that it “violates Uganda’s obligations under international law” and undermines fair trial standards. 

Many human rights bodies from around the world as well as Ugandans in Diaspora are vehemently opposing this new law.

But sources reveal that Museveni has directed the Attorney General to draft constitutional amendments to entrench military court jurisdiction—a move believed to pre-empt future judicial challenges. 

Notably, Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, defended the law, stating that “military courts are essential for stabilizing regions like Karamoja.” However, observers argue the measure aims to tighten his security grip ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.