Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signed a law on Monday that allows for military trials of civilians under certain circumstances.

Mr Museveni, who has been in power for over four decades in the East African country, assented to the bill on Monday.

“President @KagutaMuseveni has assented to The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025,” the Ugandan parliament said on Monday in a post on X.

Responding to the Ugandan parliament post, an X user, @UGCitizen256, said, “Museveni signing the UPDF Amendment Act is just another move to tighten his grip on power. The army is no longer for protecting Ugandans. It’s been turned into a tool for silencing dissent and enforcing dictatorship. Hard days are ahead.”

Another X user, @abbaKa123, said, “Museveni has successfully turned parliament into his personal house.”

The law assented to by Mr Museveni states that a civilian can be tried at a military tribunal if found in possession of an army uniform, guns, and other army equipment.

Although it was ruled unconstitutional by the Ugandan Supreme Court in January, when it was first introduced, the bill was reintroduced and has now been assented to by the president.

After the bill’s passage, the army’s spokesperson praised it, saying it would “deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes,” Reuters reported on Monday.

Allan Mayanja Ssebunya, a member of parliament representing Nakaseke Central, criticised parliament being used by Mr Museveni to pass the controversial law.

“It is obvious the parliament was just used to pass the law. They watered down the ruling of Supreme Court. Very unfortunate that the parliament could be used by the executive to pass such a law.

“We are in a challenging moment, but I’m sure we shall overcome. We have been with dictators like Obote before, but where are they now? At a certain time, Ugandans who believe in change shall overcome these challenges,” Mr Ssebunya told NTV Uganda.