By Political tensions in Uganda are reaching a boiling point as the opposition accuses President Yoweri Museveni of using military courts to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 general elections. A recent post by African Hub on X has brought renewed attention to the issue, spotlighting the government’s controversial push to try civilians in military tribunals despite a Supreme Court ruling deeming the practice unconstitutional.
On May 1, 2025, African Hub shared a series of images capturing the charged atmosphere in Uganda. One image shows a group of protestors, some wearing red berets—a symbol associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by opposition figure Bobi Wine—marching in the streets, fists raised in defiance. Another depicts a man behind bars, likely representing opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has been a frequent target of military trials. A third image shows President Museveni in military attire, gesturing confidently, underscoring his unyielding stance on the issue.
A Defiant Move Against Judicial Independence
The controversy stems from a January 2025 Supreme Court ruling that banned the prosecution of civilians in military courts, declaring it a violation of Uganda’s constitution. The court ordered all ongoing cases to be transferred to civilian courts, a decision hailed by human rights advocates and opposition leaders as a step toward judicial independence.
However, Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has openly defied the ruling. In February 2025, he announced plans to continue using military tribunals, arguing they are necessary for national stability, particularly in regions like Karamoja, plagued by armed violence.
Now, Museveni is pushing new legislation that would allow civilians to be tried by military courts in “exceptional circumstances,” a move that has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the proposal, arguing that it undermines judicial independence and violates international human rights law, which stipulates that civilians should be tried in civilian courts with fair trial guarantees.
Opposition Leaders Targeted
Key opposition figures like Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have borne the brunt of Museveni’s crackdown. Besigye, a longtime rival of Museveni, was arrested in November 2024 and charged in a military court with security-related offenses and unlawful possession of firearms—charges he and his legal team have called politically motivated. Despite the 2022 Constitutional Court ruling that military courts lack jurisdiction over civilians, Besigye’s trial has proceeded, with the opposition leader spending Christmas 2024 behind bars.
Bobi Wine, the leader of the NUP and a prominent voice for Uganda’s youth, has also faced similar charges. His party’s supporters, often seen wearing red berets as a symbol of resistance, have been repeatedly targeted by security forces. In July 2024, Ugandan police and military locked down the NUP headquarters in Kampala ahead of a planned anti-corruption protest, arresting several party leaders and blocking roads to the office.
The red berets, a hallmark of NUP’s identity, have become a lightning rod for government crackdowns, with authorities previously banning their use and arresting those who wear them.
A Pattern of Repression
Museveni’s use of military courts is part of a broader pattern of repression that has drawn international condemnation. Human rights organizations have long accused his government of using military tribunals to prosecute opposition leaders and supporters on trumped-up charges. Unlike civilian courts, where judges are independent, military court officials are appointed by the president, raising concerns about impartiality and due process.
The international community has taken notice. In 2024, the United States removed Uganda from its African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) due to “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.” The UK and US governments have also imposed sanctions on Ugandan officials, including the parliamentary speaker, over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
Protests and Public Outcry
The images shared by African Hub reflect the growing unrest in Uganda. Nationwide protests have erupted in response to the military trials, with opposition supporters taking to the streets to demand justice and an end to Museveni’s authoritarian tactics. The government’s heavy-handed response—deploying police and soldiers to suppress demonstrations—has only fueled public anger.
Bobi Wine and his NUP have been at the forefront of these protests, mobilizing young Ugandans who are increasingly frustrated with Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule. The opposition has accused the president of clinging to power at all costs, with some, like X user Lil Apex69, calling him “greedy” and pointing to his advanced age (Museveni turned 80 in 2024) as evidence that he should step down.
What Lies Ahead?
As the 2026 elections approach, the situation in Uganda remains volatile. Museveni, who has not officially confirmed his candidacy but is widely expected to run, appears determined to maintain his grip on power through any means necessary. His defiance of the Supreme Court and push for military trials signal a willingness to double down on authoritarian measures, even at the cost of further alienating the population and the international community.
For opposition leaders like Besigye and Bobi Wine, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Their trials in military courts, combined with the government’s crackdown on protests, have raised fears of a broader clampdown on dissent in the lead-up to the elections. Meanwhile, Ugandans continue to take to the streets, their red berets a vivid symbol of resistance against a regime that shows no signs of relenting.
The question now is whether Museveni’s tactics will succeed in quelling dissent—or whether they will ignite a larger movement for change in a country long yearning for democratic reform.
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