President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, a controversial move that expands military courts’ authority to try civilians under certain conditions. The new law has drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians and human rights defenders who argue it undermines constitutional protections and democratic values.
The legislation empowers military tribunals to prosecute civilians found in possession of military equipment or accused of collaborating with soldiers in high-profile crimes, including treason and murder. This comes just months after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that subjecting civilians to military trials is unconstitutional.
Military Courts Now Have Wider Reach
One of the key features of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 is its redefinition of jurisdiction. Civilians may now face trial in military courts if accused of offenses tied to military operations or security threats. The bill also allows the appointment of High Court-qualified advocates as judges to the General Court Martial, formalizing a crossover between civil and military justice systems.
This change blurs the separation between civilian and military legal processes. While the government argues that it improves efficiency in addressing national security cases, critics see it as a slippery slope toward judicial militarization.
Opposition and Civil Society Push Back
Opposition leaders have condemned the bill’s passage as a direct assault on constitutional guarantees. Joel Ssenyonyi, a prominent opposition MP, described the law as “rushed and draconian.”
“This is a clear attempt to legitimize illegitimacy. Civilians belong in civilian courts, not military ones,” Ssenyonyi said.
Human rights groups echoed similar concerns. Several organizations, including those that monitor civil liberties and rule of law in Uganda, warned that the bill threatens to suppress political dissent and silence critics. Many groups have pledged to challenge the law’s validity in Uganda’s constitutional courts.
Supreme Court Ruling Ignored
The enactment of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 also comes in direct conflict with a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which held that trying civilians in military courts violates constitutional provisions on fair trial rights. Legal experts argue that the law may create confusion about which judicial authority holds precedence, especially if future cases challenge the amendment’s legitimacy.
Parliament Passes Law Amid Opposition Boycott
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) used its parliamentary majority to pass the bill despite a boycott by opposition members. The decision has intensified concerns about Uganda’s democratic trajectory, with fears growing over shrinking civic space and reduced accountability.
Observers worry that the law might be used selectively against political activists, journalists, and government critics. The international community has also raised eyebrows, noting that the move could strain Uganda’s commitments to human rights treaties.
Implications for Rule of Law in Uganda
The passage of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Uganda’s legal and political landscape. By granting military courts the authority to try civilians, the government risks deepening the civil-military imbalance and eroding judicial independence.
As legal battles loom and rights groups prepare to mount constitutional challenges, many Ugandans will watch closely to see how this new law is enforced. Whether it strengthens national security or weakens democracy will depend heavily on its implementation—and the response of civil society and the judiciary.
For official legislative background, refer to the Parliament’s report on the passage of the bill on military-related offences. To understand more about President Museveni’s broader policy direction, readers can also explore his recent meeting with a White House delegation on bilateral relations and his emphasis on AI and science in Uganda’s education future.
