Uganda lawmakers approved changes to military laws that anger many people. The new rules let army courts put regular citizens on trial. Critics say this breaks the country's basic laws and hurts people's rights. Alice Alaso leads a political group and calls the bill terrible. She thinks it allows soldiers to kidnap and hurt civilians legally.
Some parliament members liked parts of the bill that fixed army leadership and benefits. But Abdu Katuntu from Bugweri district wanted the civilian trial problem solved first. He said judges had given confusing answers about this issue before. Lawyers worry the new system treats soldiers and civilians differently. Regular people can appeal court decisions three times, but soldiers can appeal just once.
Legal experts say this creates unfair justice. Jude Byamukama runs a law firm and believes everyone deserves equal treatment under the law. The Uganda Law Society refused to help write the bill because they needed more time to study it. Opposition parties plan to challenge the law in higher courts if the president signs it.
Some parliament members liked parts of the bill that fixed army leadership and benefits. But Abdu Katuntu from Bugweri district wanted the civilian trial problem solved first. He said judges had given confusing answers about this issue before. Lawyers worry the new system treats soldiers and civilians differently. Regular people can appeal court decisions three times, but soldiers can appeal just once.
Legal experts say this creates unfair justice. Jude Byamukama runs a law firm and believes everyone deserves equal treatment under the law. The Uganda Law Society refused to help write the bill because they needed more time to study it. Opposition parties plan to challenge the law in higher courts if the president signs it.
