Uganda's Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth introduced legislation that would allow military courts to try civilians despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against the practice.
The UPDF Amendment Bill comes just months after Uganda's highest court struck down similar provisions in January 2025, calling them unconstitutional.
The bill permits military trials for civilians in "limited circumstances," including those possessing military equipment or aiding soldiers in serious crimes. Critics note these mirror the same circumstances previously ruled unconstitutional.
In his January ruling, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo emphasized that "ordinary courts alone have jurisdiction to try civilians" and dismissed arguments that military courts deliver faster justice.
The bill does incorporate some court recommendations, requiring military court chairpersons to have legal qualifications equivalent to civilian judges. It also introduces appeals to civil courts and mandates judicial oaths for military court members.
Parliament has referred the bill to the defence and legal affairs committees for review. If passed, civilians could once again face trial in courts that the Supreme Court described as lacking "structural independence" necessary for fair trials.
The UPDF Amendment Bill comes just months after Uganda's highest court struck down similar provisions in January 2025, calling them unconstitutional.
The bill permits military trials for civilians in "limited circumstances," including those possessing military equipment or aiding soldiers in serious crimes. Critics note these mirror the same circumstances previously ruled unconstitutional.
In his January ruling, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo emphasized that "ordinary courts alone have jurisdiction to try civilians" and dismissed arguments that military courts deliver faster justice.
The bill does incorporate some court recommendations, requiring military court chairpersons to have legal qualifications equivalent to civilian judges. It also introduces appeals to civil courts and mandates judicial oaths for military court members.
Parliament has referred the bill to the defence and legal affairs committees for review. If passed, civilians could once again face trial in courts that the Supreme Court described as lacking "structural independence" necessary for fair trials.
