President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law the controversial Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025, a move that grants military courts the power to try civilians in certain cases. The decision has sparked fierce criticism from opposition leaders and human rights groups, who argue that the law undermines constitutional rights and weakens judicial independence.

The new law allows military tribunals to handle cases involving civilians accused of possessing military equipment or working with soldiers to commit serious crimes such as treason or murder. To address concerns over legal fairness, the law also states that only advocates qualified at the High Court level will be appointed as judges in the General Court Martial. However, critics say these provisions do little to ease fears of abuse.

Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the law, calling it a dangerous step toward militarizing the justice system. Joel Ssenyonyi, a prominent opposition figure, described the law as “rushed and draconian,” accusing the government of trying to “legitimize illegitimacy.” He warned that the move is part of a broader strategy to silence dissent and tighten the ruling party’s grip on power.

Human rights organizations have also raised alarms, pointing out that the law contradicts a recent Supreme Court ruling which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. Activists argue that the new legislation is a direct challenge to judicial independence and could be used to target government critics under the guise of national security.

The bill was passed by parliament despite a boycott by opposition lawmakers. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which holds a majority in the legislature, pushed the bill through, further fueling concerns about the shrinking space for democratic debate in Uganda. Critics say the move reflects a growing trend of using legal and military measures to suppress opposition voices.

Supporters of the law, however, argue that it is necessary to strengthen national security, particularly in cases where civilians are involved in crimes that threaten the stability of the country. Government officials have dismissed accusations of abuse, insisting that the law includes safeguards to ensure fair trials.

The controversy comes at a time when Uganda’s human rights record is under increasing scrutiny. International observers have repeatedly raised concerns about the government’s treatment of political opponents, journalists, and activists. The new law is likely to draw further criticism from global human rights bodies, which have already condemned Uganda for what they describe as a pattern of repression.

Legal experts say the law could face immediate challenges in court, with opposition groups and civil society organizations preparing to file lawsuits to block its implementation. If the courts uphold the law, it could set a troubling precedent, expanding the military’s role in civilian affairs and eroding public trust in the justice system.

As the debate continues, many Ugandans are left wondering about the future of their country’s democracy. With elections still years away, the new law raises fears that the government is increasingly relying on force rather than dialogue to maintain control. For now, the opposition and rights activists remain determined to fight the law, vowing to use all legal means to overturn what they see as a dangerous erosion of civil liberties.

The signing of the UPDF Amendment Bill marks another contentious chapter in Uganda’s political landscape, deepening divisions between the government and its critics. As the legal battle looms, the world will be watching to see whether Uganda’s courts can uphold the rule of law—or whether the military’s expanding powers will go unchecked.