Uganda's New Law Allows Military Tribunals to Try Civilians for Specific Offences

A new law passed by Parliament in Uganda is set to govern the army, defining five major offences that, when committed by civilians, can be tried in military tribunals. The legislation will become enforceable once President Museveni signs it into law. The law specifies circumstances under which a civilian can be tried in a military tribunal, listing 38 equipment and 26 ammunition that are the exclusive monopoly of the military. The legislation also subjects individuals who aid or abet or conspire with others using military equipment to commit specific crimes to trial in military tribunals.

Key Takeaways:

• The new law defines exceptional circumstances for trying civilians in military tribunals, which is against the United Nations' description of exceptional circumstances as when a country is at war and military courts should not operate beyond six months.
• The law lists 38 equipment and 26 ammunition that are the exclusive monopoly of the military, including pistols, AK-47 guns, rocket propelled grenades, and landmines.
• Any civilian found in possession of the listed equipment or ammunition can be tried in a military court.
• The law subjects individuals who aid or abet or conspire with others using military equipment to commit murder, aggravated robbery, kidnap with intent of murder, treason, misprision of treason, and cattle rustling to trial in military tribunals.
• The legislation allows the trial of civilians who commit the listed offences while accompanying the unit or Defence Forces during a mission as a soldier who is on the rank of Private, provided they do not hold a certificate from the commanding officer.
• The law was fast-tracked through Parliament with little time for public participation and processing by the House, leading to opposition from the Opposition.

Statistics:

• 38 equipment and 26 ammunition are listed as the exclusive monopoly of the military.
• The stolen equipment includes pistols, Avtomat Kalashnikov 1947 (AK-47) guns, rocket propelled grenades, and landmines.
• 40mm, 60mm, and 82mm are the calibers of ammunition that are specifically listed in the Schedule 7B.
• The smallest caliber listed is 7.62 x 25mm, while the largest is 12.7 x 108mm.

Sources:

• Saturday Monitor, Anthony Asiimwe, "Landmark ruling by Supreme Court revives stalled UPDF Bill"
• Uganda Parliament's Website, "UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025"
• United Nations, "Maintenance of International Peace and Security"
• Court documents related to the treason charges against Dr Kizza Besigye.