The Ugandan government plans to introduce a new law that allows military tribunals to try civilians under specific conditions. This comes despite a Supreme Court ruling in January that banned the practice.
For years, human rights groups and opposition leaders have accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of using military courts to target political opponents. The government denies these allegations.
After the Supreme Court ruling, officials moved several high-profile cases to civilian courts. One such case involves Kizza Besigye, a former presidential candidate and veteran opposition figure.
If the proposed law passes, the government could return Besigye and others to military courts. Justice Minister Nobert Mao informed parliament on Thursday that the bill is ready and awaiting cabinet approval before heading to the legislature.
Mao explained that the law outlines “exceptional circumstances under which a civilian may be subject to military law.”
Security forces arrested Besigye in Kenya in November. They later extradited him to Uganda, where he now faces charges in a military court for illegal possession of firearms and other offences. His lawyers insist the charges are politically motivated.
Besigye has spent nearly five months in detention. Critics warn that this proposed law could roll back gains in judicial independence and weaken civil liberties.
If passed, the legislation may reopen the door for military trials against civilians, a practice Uganda’s highest court had recently rejected.
