Uganda - June 2025

On 16 June, President Yoweri Museveni signed into law the 2025 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, reauthorizing the trial of civilians in military courts. The move follows Parliament’s 20 May approval of the bill, which grants military courts jurisdiction over civilians accused of collaborating with soldiers or possessing military items. The law directly contradicts a January Supreme Court ruling declaring such trials unconstitutional, prompting critics to accuse the government of defying the judiciary to entrench executive control. Opposition lawmakers cited Article 92 of the Constitution, which prohibits laws from overturning specific court decisions, arguing the bill effectively sidesteps the Supreme Court’s judgment. Rights groups and legal experts warn the law may be used to target opposition figures and suppress dissent. Uganda’s Bar Association and Law Society pledged to challenge its constitutionality, setting the stage for further confrontation between the executive and judiciary. 

Sources: Human Rights Watch, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, The Monitor, The Independent, Parliament of Uganda, International IDEA, Jurist News