Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Uganda Opposition Challenges Law on Military Trials for Civilians
Uganda's main opposition party is fighting a new law that lets the military try civilians in court.
They say the law wasn't made the right way, without enough public input.
This law reverses a previous court decision that said military courts couldn't fairly try civilians.
The opposition fears the law will be used to target political opponents, as it has in the past.
The government says the law is needed to stop violence by armed groups.
This legal battle is happening as the country prepares for next year's elections, where the current president will be challenged.
Uganda's opposition party filed a case to nullify a law allowing military trials for civilians.
The new law was passed by parliament in May and signed by President Museveni in June.
The opposition argues the law violates proper legislative processes, citing lack of public consultation.
Military tribunals have previously been used to prosecute opposition figures, including Bobi Wine.
The army spokesperson praised the law for deterring militant groups.
- Who
- Uganda's biggest opposition party and government officials.
- What
- Opposition party filed a case to nullify a law allowing military trials for civilians.
- When
- The law was passed in May and signed in June.
- Where
- Uganda
- Why
- To challenge the legality of the law and its potential use against political opponents.
Opposition View
Government View
Fairness of trials
Opposition View
The law allows unfair trials and targets political opponents.
Government View
The law is needed to deter militant groups.
Legality of Procedures
Opposition View
The law was passed through improper legislative procedures.
Government View
No explicit view provided in articles
- Plaintiff
- National Unity Platform (NUP)
- Defendant
- Government of Uganda
- Current President
- Yoweri Museveni
- Key Figure (Opposition)
- Bobi Wine
- Army spokesperson's view
- The law deters militant political groups.