• Uganda's parliament passed legislation allowing military trials for civilians despite a Supreme Court ruling against such practices.
• The bill drawn criticism from opposition figures who claim it undermines democratic values ahead of the 2026 elections.
• President Yoweri Museveni is expected to sign the bill, highlighting ongoing tensions in Uganda's political climate.
• The legislation comes amid concerns over human rights abuses, with critics accusing the government of silencing dissent.
• Military spokesperson stated the law aims to enhance national security and curb militant political groups.

Uganda's parliament on May 20 passed a controversial bill that re-establishes the authority for military tribunals to try civilians, a move that defies a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year declaring such practices illegal. Critics, including opposition politicians and human rights advocates, argue that the legislation is a direct attempt to suppress dissent as Uganda prepares for the upcoming presidential elections in January 2026. The head of the military, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praised the parliament’s actions, asserting that their courage would be remembered as a patriotic stand, according to Al Jazeera and Africanews.

The new legislation draws significant backlash from various quarters, including human rights organizations like Amnesty International, which express concern that these military courts will deepen authoritarian practices in Uganda, especially as the nation approaches its election cycle. “This legislation could entrench repression ahead of the 2026 elections,” the organization noted, reinforcing fears that the military courts might be utilized to target political opposition. Opposition member Jonathan Odur described the bill as unconstitutional, asserting there is no legal justification for this expansion of military jurisdiction, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Despite these criticisms, the Ugandan government argues that the legislation is necessary to maintain national security in the face of perceived threats from armed opposition groups. Military spokesperson Chris Magezi emphasized that the legislation aims to "deal decisively with armed violent criminals" and asserts a commitment to a foundational security structure for the country. Furthermore, the law includes stipulations that presiding officers in military trials must possess legal qualifications, a point intended to address concerns over judicial capacity within military tribunals, as stated by both Africanews and Reuters.

Historically, Uganda has utilized military courts to prosecute several opposition figures, such as Kizza Besigye and musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, often for politically charged allegations. Besigye's case exemplifies these practices; after being brought back from detention in Kenya, he was subjected to military prosecution based on what many observers consider politically motivated charges. Human Rights Watch has previously criticized Uganda's military courts, citing failures to meet fundamental standards of judicial independence and often ignoring fair trial rules, a pattern reflected in the new legislation, according to Reuters and Africanews.