By Aggrey Baba
As Parliament prepares to vote on the controversial Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025, opposition MPs have voiced sharp criticism, accusing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of pushing legislation that serves President Museveni’s interests rather than the public good.
Speaking to the press ahead of today’s parliamentary session, Kalungu West MP Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, of National Unity Platform (NUP) decried what he termed as rushed legislative processes and the erosion of democratic accountability.
“My expectation today is that the Holy Spirit will come upon the NRM members to help them understand why they are in Parliament. They are not here to legislate for Museveni, but for the country,” the Outspoken legislator stated.
The contentious bill seeks to expand the jurisdiction of military courts, a move critics say will subject more civilians to military prosecution. Hon. Ssewungu warned that the bill undermines civilian judicial authority and violates constitutional principles.
“You don’t process bills in a day or in hours. This is a controversial bill with the clear aim of continuing to try civilians in military courts. That alone calls for broader consultation, or even a referendum,” he added.
The veteran legislator expressed concern that many ruling party MPs are privately opposed to the bill but remain silent due to political pressure and fear of their party chairman (Museveni).
“I’m very worried about my fellow members who call me privately saying they know the bill is bad, but it’s what Museveni wants,” the MP said.
Ssewungu further criticized some of his parliamentary colleagues for lacking legal and legislative knowledge, singling out a fellow MP from Napak district for confusing IPOD (Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue) with the Political Parties and Organisations Act.
“If you want to legislate on IPOD, bring the IPOD bill to Parliament. Let it become an Act, and then we can debate it properly,” he explained.
The Kavule leaning MP also pointed out perceived contradictions in government policy, questioning why high-profile terror suspect Jamil Mukulu is being tried in civilian courts if military courts are deemed necessary for civilians.
“There are already sufficient provisions in the Penal Code to address national security concerns without resorting to military courts,” he argued.
Ssewungu issued a final warning to NRM MPs, noting that supporting such unpopular legislation may backfire politically.
“I’ve been in Parliament for a while. Most of these sycophants won’t return after elections, and Museveni never helps them win,” he said.
If the bill passes, opposition lawmakers are prepared to challenge it in court, citing a previous Supreme Court ruling on the matter. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
