Museveni Signs Law Allowing Military Courts to Try Civilians, Despite Supreme Court Ruling

President Yoweri Museveni has signed a new law authorizing military courts to try civilians, a move that has triggered strong backlash from rights groups and legal experts.

The legislation comes just months after Uganda’s Supreme Court declared the practice unconstitutional, ruling that it violated civilians’ rights to a fair trial. Despite that judgment, the government has pushed forward, arguing that certain offenses—such as unlawful possession of firearms and threats to national security—warrant military jurisdiction.

Human rights groups and opposition leaders have condemned the move, calling it a step backward for judicial independence and civil liberties.

“This law defies the highest court in the land and further opens the door to abuse of power,” said human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo.

Uganda has faced criticism in recent years for using the General Court Martial to try opposition members, activists, and journalists. The new law is expected to intensify concerns over the military’s growing influence in civilian affairs.

The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) described the law as “a legal weapon to suppress political dissent,” while Amnesty International warned that it could be used to silence government critics.

The development sets up a potential constitutional standoff and is likely to face legal challenges in the coming weeks.