By Aggrey Baba
In a stormy session on Today, Parliament passed the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, triggering an uproar from civil society, opposition parties, and legal minds.
Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling declaring the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, the ruling NRM party pushed through the bill with its numerical strength, leaving critics crying like babies and warning of looming authoritarianism.
The bill allows for civilians to be tried in military courts if they are found in possession of military hardware or accused of collaborating with soldiers in crimes such as treason, terrorism, and aggravated robbery, even beyond Uganda’s borders.
Many believe that this opens the gates for abuse and political persecution, especially in a country where “the hen that scratches too hard is always the first to be cooked.”
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and his fellow MPs stormed out of the chambers in protest, accusing the Speaker and the NRM of stage-managing the debate and ignoring the voices of ordinary Ugandans.
“What we witnessed today was a betrayal,”said Ssenyonyi,” adding that the bill is dangerous, and twisting to suit the powerful.
Civil rights activists and legal experts have condemned the move, reminding Parliament that the Supreme Court had only months ago declared military trials for civilians unjust and illegal. But it appears the House decided to look the other way.
“When the drumbeat changes, the dance must change too,” remarked one observer, adding that here, they are forcing Ugandans to dance to a beat they never chose.
The NRM had earlier held a closed-door meeting at State House Entebbe, where members were allegedly whipped into backing the bill, and by the time the matter came to Parliament, it was clear the outcome was predetermined.
The NRM, with its iron grip on numbers, carried the day, while the voices of protest faded into silence.
Outside the chambers, rights groups and opposition figures vowed to take the battle to court once more, while calling for public resistance.
“This law is a sword hanging over every Ugandan’s head,” said human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete, saying, “You can’t say you were not warned.”
A lone petition from activist Onesmus Muwanga was delivered to the Speaker’s office earlier in the week, demanding that such far-reaching changes be subjected to a referendum.
“These matters go to the heart of freedom and justice,” the petition read. “You cannot drag civilians before military judges as if they are enemy combatants.”
For many, it’s a chilling reminder of darker days. The fear that political opponents and outspoken citizens could now face military justice has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. The leopard is not just stretching, but preparing to pounce. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
