The Ugandan government has announced plans to introduce a law permitting military tribunals to prosecute civilians for certain offenses, even though the Supreme Court had previously banned such practices.
Human rights organizations and opposition figures have long accused President Yoweri Museveni’s administration of using military courts to target political adversaries. The government denies these claims.
In January, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that military courts could no longer try civilians, prompting the transfer of opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s case to a civilian court. If the new law passes, it could enable the government to reinstate Besigye’s trial in a military court.
The proposed law, which is awaiting cabinet approval before being introduced in parliament, would outline “exceptional circumstances” under which civilians could be tried under military law, according to Justice Minister Nobert Mao.
Besigye, a long-time rival of Museveni, has been held in detention for nearly five months on charges his legal team argues are politically motivated. Arrested in Kenya last November, he was later transferred to Uganda, where he faces military court charges, including illegal firearm possession.
