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Uganda's parliament introduces bill to let military courts try civilians

Uganda's Parliament introduced the Uganda People's Defence Forces Amendment Bill, 2025, on May 13 to allow military courts to try civilians under exceptional circumstances.
The bill was prompted by a January 31, 2025 Supreme Court ruling that declared civilian trials in military courts unconstitutional, which the government opposes and seeks to revise.
The bill expands court martial jurisdiction to include civilians accused of unlawful possession of military arms or aiding soldiers to commit serious crimes, with judges appointed by the military high command.
David Lewis Rubongoya of the National Unity Platform stated the bill will be used to persecute regime opponents, while critics warn it risks undermining judicial independence and fair trial rights.
If enacted, the bill may reverse prior judicial protections, intensify political repression, and provoke legal and public scrutiny over the future of military justice in Uganda.

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junge Welt

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Uganda: With Violence and X

Uganda's Presidential Son and Commander-in-Chief boast with violence against the opposition. A new law is also to bring civilians to military courts.

2 days ago

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Business Live

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Uganda introduces bill to let military courts try civilians

Opposition party fears the bill, if passed, will be used to persecute regime opponents

3 days ago·Johannesburg, South Africa

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Frankfurter Allgemeine

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Prosecution of opposition politicians in Uganda and Tanzania

In Tanzania and Uganda, governments are getting harder and harder against the opposition. Two prominent politicians are accused of high treason.

3 days ago·Frankfurt, Germany

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The Straits Times

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

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Uganda's parliament introduces bill to let military courts try civilians

KAMPALA - The Ugandan government introduced a bill in parliament on Tuesday that would allow military tribunals to prosecute civilians, months after the country's Supreme Court ruled the practice unconstitutional. Read more at straitstimes.com.

4 days ago·Singapore

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TowerPostNews

UPDF Bill Reignites Debate on Civilian Trials in Military Courts

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3 days ago

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The Spy

Toothless Supreme Ruling? Inside The New UPDF Amendment Bill & Resturn Of Court Martial

By Spy Uganda Parliament on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 received the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which among other proposals seeks to empower military courts to try civilians under certain circumstances. The Bill, presented for its First Reading by Hon. Jacob Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, was referred to the…

3 days ago

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