Uganda plans military trials for civilians despite court ban

The Ugandan government is moving forward with proposed legislation that would reintroduce military trials for civilians, despite a Supreme Court ruling in January 2025 that banned the practice. Justice Minister Nobert Mao stated that the law, which awaits cabinet approval before reaching parliament, would define 'exceptional circumstances' under which civilians could be subject to military law. Human rights activists and opposition politicians have voiced strong opposition, arguing that military courts have been used to target political opponents and undermine judicial fairness—a charge the government denies. High-profile cases, such as that of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was previously transferred to civilian courts after the Supreme Court decision, could be affected if the law passes. The government maintains that the legislation is necessary for national security and rejects allegations of abuse. The move has heightened concerns about repression and the potential rollback of judicial protections for civilians.