Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a controversial amendment that allows military courts to try civilians under specific conditions, according to a statement from the country’s parliament on Monday.
The legislative change, championed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), amends existing judicial statutes to broaden the scope of military jurisdiction. While officials say the move targets crimes such as terrorism and illegal firearms possession often committed in coordination with military offenses critics warn it could erode civil liberties and blur the line between civilian and military legal processes.
Defenders of the law argue it is a necessary step to ensure national security, particularly in handling cases that involve threats to state stability. However, human rights groups and opposition leaders have expressed deep concern, citing potential violations of fair trial standards and judicial independence.
“This law represents a significant shift in how justice is administered in Uganda,” said Sarah Kintu, a legal analyst based in Kampala. “It’s not just about security it’s about the future of constitutional protections for Ugandan citizens.”
The full implications of the amendment remain to be seen, as legal experts and civil society organizations prepare to monitor its enforcement closely in the coming months.
