Uganda’s largest opposition party has lodged a petition in the Constitutional Court to overturn a controversial new law that reinstates the power of military tribunals to try civilians, in defiance of a recent Supreme Court ruling.

In January, the Supreme Court declared such trials unconstitutional, citing the inability of military courts to guarantee fair and impartial proceedings.

The decision was hailed by rights groups as a victory for judicial independence. But in May, parliament passed legislation restoring the practice, which President Yoweri Museveni signed into law in June.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) – led by pop star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine – says the law undermines the rule of law and was passed without adequate public consultation.

“This legislation not only erodes hard-won constitutional safeguards, it risks returning Uganda to an era of politically motivated prosecutions,” said NUP lawyer George Musisi.

Rights organisations have long accused Museveni’s government of using military courts to silence dissent, alleging that opposition members and activists are frequently charged with security-related offences to justify detention.

Officials reject the claims, insisting that only civilians implicated in armed political violence are brought before military tribunals.

Among those previously targeted is former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, whose treason case was transferred to a civilian court after the Supreme Court’s January ruling.

Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and four-time challenger to Museveni, remains in custody nine months after his arrest and has repeatedly been denied bail.

The reinstatement of military trials has sparked concern among human rights advocates, who warn it could be used to intimidate critics ahead of future elections. “This law is a step backwards for justice and democracy in Uganda,” said one Kampala-based activist.

The Constitutional Court is yet to set a date for hearing the petition.

Uganda will host its first Rhino Naming Ceremony next month, in a landmark event aimed at boosting conservation efforts and drawing international attention to the country’s growing rhino population.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, together with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), announced the ceremony will take place on 22 September at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the event.

The initiative forms part of the five-year, $11 million (£8.7 million) “Name A Rhino” campaign, launched in 2024 to fund habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching operations and community conservation programmes.

Attendees – from philanthropists to corporate sponsors – will have the opportunity to symbolically “adopt” and name one of 17 calves and juveniles at Ziwa, with all proceeds supporting the species’ survival.

“This will be a celebration of how far we have come – from extinction in the wild in the 1980s to now having 48 rhinos in Uganda,” said UWA executive director Dr James Musinguzi.

Rhinos were once widespread across Uganda before poaching and habitat loss wiped them out in the wild. The breeding programme at Ziwa, launched in 2006 with just six Southern White Rhinos, has since produced 40 calves.

The government plans to reintroduce rhinos into Ajai Wildlife Reserve later this year, expanding their range and linking the West Nile region to the national tourism circuit.

“This is more than a naming ceremony – it’s a legacy,” said state minister Martin Mugarra Bahenduka. “When you name a rhino, you’re securing its future.”

Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation Strategy aims for a 5% annual population growth rate by 2028, underpinned by stronger protection, habitat management and public engagement.

The director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has directly linked the spread of misinformation to last week’s deadly shooting at the agency’s Atlanta headquarters, calling the attack a “tragic consequence” of falsehoods undermining public health.

In a message to more than 10,000 staff on Tuesday, Dr Susan Monarez said, “The dangers of misinformation and its promulgation has now led to deadly consequences. I will work to restore trust in public health… through science, evidence, and clarity of purpose.”

Her remarks followed a chaotic all-staff meeting earlier in the day, cut short by technical problems, in which Monarez told employees, “Public health should never be under attack.”

Authorities say the gunman, identified as 30-year-old Patrick Joseph White, fired almost 500 rounds during Friday’s assault, killing DeKalb County police officer David Rose and striking CDC facilities with about 200 bullets. White, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, reportedly held deep resentment towards the COVID-19 vaccine, blaming it for health problems. Investigators recovered written materials from his home expressing distrust of vaccination, though no direct threats were made.

Neighbours told ABC News White had complained of severe weight loss, swallowing difficulties and gastrointestinal issues following his vaccination. The CDC has repeatedly stressed that serious side effects from COVID-19 vaccines are rare.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation recovered five firearms from the scene and said White’s parents, from whom he obtained the weapon used, are cooperating fully.

In her note, Monarez urged staff to “check in on colleagues” and assured them of increased security and mental health resources. “We will face the challenge together. United in purpose, grounded in truth, and committed to protecting one another,” she said.

The investigation, involving both state and federal agencies, remains ongoing.