Uganda plans to change military law after courts ruled against trying civilians in army courts. Justice Minister Norbert Mao told Parliament that the defense ministry received a draft bill to fix this issue. The government withdrew an earlier version to include guidance from a 2021 Supreme Court decision. That ruling stated military trials for civilians violate constitutional rights to fair hearings.
The new proposal addresses court structures, who falls under military jurisdiction, special circumstances where civilians might face military courts, weapons control, and appeals processes. The Attorney General ordered prison authorities to list all civilian cases currently in military courts. Officials identified 423 such cases earlier this year. The prosecution office received 45 cases from defense officials, with more transfers expected soon.
Military courts traditionally handled only armed forces personnel. However, many civilians, including journalists, activists, and traders, faced these courts when accused of possessing military items like guns or ammunition. Critics argued these trials denied proper rights since military courts operate under executive control with military officers as judges. The reforms show how seriously the government takes judicial decisions about protecting civilian defendants.
The new proposal addresses court structures, who falls under military jurisdiction, special circumstances where civilians might face military courts, weapons control, and appeals processes. The Attorney General ordered prison authorities to list all civilian cases currently in military courts. Officials identified 423 such cases earlier this year. The prosecution office received 45 cases from defense officials, with more transfers expected soon.
Military courts traditionally handled only armed forces personnel. However, many civilians, including journalists, activists, and traders, faced these courts when accused of possessing military items like guns or ammunition. Critics argued these trials denied proper rights since military courts operate under executive control with military officers as judges. The reforms show how seriously the government takes judicial decisions about protecting civilian defendants.
