UN Warns Museveni Over Military Trials for Civilians

The United Nations has urged President Yoweri Museveni not to sign a controversial bill recently passed by the Ugandan Parliament that would allow civilians to be tried in military courts — a move human rights defenders say undermines the rule of law and violates international norms.

On May 20, 2025, Uganda’s Parliament passed the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, which significantly broadens the mandate of military tribunals. 

If signed into law, the bill would grant military courts expanded authority to prosecute civilians accused of a wide range of offenses, including those traditionally handled by civilian judicial systems.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a strongly worded statement on Friday, warning that the legislation is a step backward for Uganda’s legal and democratic development.

“I respectfully urge President Museveni to reject the retrogressive bill and take the necessary steps to comply fully and promptly with the Supreme Court’s decision,” Türk said.
Defiance of a Supreme Court Ruling

Earlier this year, in a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Uganda declared that the trial of civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. The court directed that all cases involving civilians currently before military courts be transferred to ordinary civilian courts with appropriate jurisdiction

The ruling was hailed by legal experts and human rights groups as a major step toward protecting judicial independence and due process. However, the new bill appears to contradict the Supreme Court’s guidance, prompting concerns both domestically and internationally.

“Rather than respecting the clear direction of the judiciary, Parliament has chosen to legislate in a way that reintroduces a system previously ruled illegal,” Türk said.

He stressed that under international human rights law, military courts should not have jurisdiction over civilians except in extremely limited and exceptional cases. He warned that expanding such powers could result in serious violations of the right to a fair trial.
Pattern of Political Suppression

The UN’s warning comes amid growing reports of human rights abuses in Uganda, particularly in the political arena. In recent months, there has been a surge in politically motivated arrests, enforced disappearances, intimidation of opposition figures, and cases of torture and ill-treatment by security forces.

Human rights organizations, both local and international, have condemned these developments, arguing that the increased use of military courts is being weaponized to stifle political dissent ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

Critics fear that military tribunals — which are not as transparent or independent as civilian courts — could be used to silence opposition voices under the guise of national security.

“This bill is not just a legal issue. It’s a political strategy to suppress opposition and entrench authoritarian rule,” said a Kampala-based legal analyst who asked not to be named.
A Crossroads for Uganda

As President Museveni considers whether to sign the UPDF Amendment Bill into law, Uganda stands at a legal and political crossroads.

Signing the bill would put the executive on a direct collision course with the Supreme Court and the international community, and could trigger further domestic unrest.

On the other hand, rejecting the bill would affirm the principle of separation of powers, bolster the credibility of the judiciary, and signal Uganda’s commitment to upholding its obligations under international law.

Volker Türk reiterated the importance of respecting the rule of law, especially in a democratic society.

“The administration of justice must be fair, impartial, and independent. Trying civilians in military courts undermines all of these principles,” he said.