• President Museveni signs law allowing military courts to judge civilians
• Move follows Supreme Court ruling barring such trials as unconstitutional
• Critics see the measure as undermining rule of law ahead of 2026 elections

Human rights organizations are denouncing what they call an authoritarian shift in Uganda as the 2026 presidential elections approach. On Monday, a new law authorizing military courts to try civilians was enacted, raising concerns over the state of civil liberties.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the law on June 16, 2025, granting military tribunals the authority to prosecute civilians. The announcement was made by Parliament through its social media account, prompting strong reactions from civil society groups and the political opposition.

This move follows a February Supreme Court decision that declared it unconstitutional to try civilians in military courts, as seen in the case of opposition figure Kizza Besigye, whose treason case was transferred to a civilian court.

Army spokesperson Chris Magezi welcomed the new legislation, describing it as a measure to deter "deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes".

The law’s adoption occurs in an increasingly repressive political environment, where the Museveni administration is accused of expanding military influence over civilian institutions and silencing dissent. Observers view the measure as a serious blow to the rule of law.

Legal experts say the law could face judicial review if challenged by citizens. Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has announced plans to contest it in court. Opposition leaders condemned the law as a direct violation of the Supreme Court ruling. "We all, in the opposition, are targeted by this law," said Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, in a statement to AFP.

With elections scheduled for 2026, the law is seen as a new tool of political control in a country where President Museveni has held power for nearly four decades and peaceful power transition remains a pressing concern.