Besigye’s Fate in Limbo: Could Uganda’s New Military Court Law Redefine His Trial?

Uganda's parliament passed the UPDF Amendment Bill, granting military courts the authority to try civilians for specific offenses related to national security. This move effectively overturns a Supreme Court ruling from January 2025, which had previously deemed such trials unconstitutional. The new legislation raises the possibility of Dr. Kizza Besigye's case being moved to a military court.

Dr. Besigye's case was earlier transferred to a civilian court (Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court) in February 2025, following the Supreme Court's ruling.

He faces charges, including treason. Dr. Besigye’s legal team has consistently challenged the notion of military trials, referencing the earlier Supreme Court decision. They have also filed legal petitions to secure his release.

Though the new law creates a legal framework for trying civilians like Besigye in military courts, the bill has not yet been signed by the President Museveni. Factors like his health, which reportedly worsened during a hunger strike in February 2025, and the impact of public opinion, could influence some decisions.

The Uganda Veteran opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye was arrested during a book launch event in Kenya, which he attended alongside fellow figure, Obed Lutale. The event, held in early 2025, was meant to be a public occasion to discuss Besigye’s new work and the political climate in Uganda, but it quickly took a dramatic turn when Ugandan authorities intervened, returned to Uganda and later charged for treason.

Besigye, a long-time critic of the long serving President Museveni and his government, has been a prominent figure in Uganda’s politics however his arrest shocked many and raised concerns about the political freedoms and safety of Ugandans outside the country.

Obed Lutale, who was with Besigye during the book launch, also found himself caught up in the controversy, although reports on his specific involvement in the arrest have been scarce.

Since Besigye’s arrest, his legal team and supporters have called for his immediate release, citing the unlawful nature of the detention and questioning the motives behind it. His case continues to draw significant public and international scrutiny, adding to the ongoing narrative of political persecution in Uganda.