Muhoozi praises Uganda MPs for passing controversial Bill allowing military trials for civilians
Opponents of the Bill argue that its passage violates a January 31 Supreme Court ruling, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
Controversial Ugandan Army Chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has lauded the country's Parliament for passing a contentious Bill on Tuesday that allows civilians to be tried in military courts.
In a statement on X, a platform where he is known for his outspoken views, Kainerugaba described the Ugandan MPs as "fearless patriots" for passing the UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025, despite strong opposition from non-government-allied MPs, civil society groups and legal experts.
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The new Bill grants military tribunals the authority to prosecute civilians in cases involving restricted weapons, treason, or collaboration with soldiers in serious offences like aggravated robbery and murder.
Supreme Court ruling
Opponents of the Bill argue that its passage violates a January 31 Supreme Court ruling, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court decreed that military courts lacked jurisdiction over civilians and ordered such cases, including that of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, to be transferred to civilian courts.
Besigye, a vocal critic of the government, is currently on trial on national security-related charges alongside his aide Obeid Lutale and UPDF soldier Denis Oola.
"I want to congratulate the Speaker of Parliament (Anita Among), the Attorney General (Kiryowa Kiwanuka), the Minister of Defence (Jacobs Oboth-Oboth), the Chief Whip of NRM (Hamson Obua) and all NRM MPs for passing the amended UPDF Bill," said Kainerugaba.
He also commended the lawmakers for what he described as an act of national bravery.
"Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment," he said.
Uganda's Acting Head of the Defence Ministry, Col Chris Magezi, defended the Bill's ascension into law, stating that it will allow the government to"decisively deal with armed violent criminals, deter militant political groups, and anchor national security on a firm foundation."
Judicial independence
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Magezi said, seemingly dismissing concerns that the amendment threatens judicial independence.
Opponents of the Bill maintain that the law could be used by the ruling government to oppress members of the opposition ahead of Uganda's 2026 polls.
"The regime is preparing to criminalise opposition politics under the cover of national security," said Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP).
The Bill's passage was preceded by opposition MPs storming Parliament, invoking Article 92 of the Constitution, which bars the House from passing legislation intended to overturn specific court decisions.
President Museveni is now expected to sign the Bill into law.
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