Kampala, Uganda | May 15, 2025 – The Ugandan Parliament is fast-tracking the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, sparking outrage over its lack of public consultation and raising fears of expanded military powers. Critics warn that the bill—which could reshape military justice and security operations—is being railroaded through Parliament, sidelining meaningful debate.

A 24-Hour Deadline for Public Input?

On May 13, the Clerk of Parliament issued a 24-hour ultimatum for stakeholders to submit memoranda on the bill. Legal experts, political parties, and civil society groups were given just one day to analyze and respond—a timeframe widely condemned as undemocratic.

Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, Associate Professor of Law and Dean of Makerere University’s School of Law, called the deadline “unreasonable and suspicious”:

> “A bill of this magnitude requires months, not hours, of scrutiny. Military justice affects fundamental rights—rushing it suggests an intent to avoid accountability. Even our top legal minds at Makerere couldn’t prepare a proper analysis in just one day.”

The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), protested the lack of access to the bill’s text, stating:

> “How can Ugandans debate a law they haven’t even seen? This is a mockery of democracy. We demand transparency.”

What’s in the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025?

While full details remain unclear, past military amendments have raised concerns over:

Expanded military court jurisdiction, risking civilian trials in military tribunals

Reduced judicial oversight of military operations

Vaguely defined “exceptional circumstances” allowing military intervention in civilian matters

Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent human rights lawyer, warns:

> “This isn’t just about the military—it’s about shrinking civic space. If passed unchecked, it could legalize repression under the guise of ‘security.’”

Why the Rush?

Observers suggest several motives behind the hurried process:

1. Avoiding scrutiny: Limiting debate prevents civil society and legal experts from exposing flaws.

2. Political timing: The bill may be tied to 2026 election security strategies, granting broader powers to suppress dissent.

3. Normalizing executive overreach: Each rushed law sets a precedent for bypassing public input in the future.

Public Suspicion: Is Speaker Anita Among Up to Something?

Many Ugandans, particularly on social media and in opposition circles, are questioning the motives behind the rushed process—especially given Speaker Anita Among’s controversial track record.

“This is dictatorship in disguise,” says David Muwanga, a Kampala-based activist. “Anita Among has a history of pushing through questionable laws. Why the hurry unless they’re hiding something?”

“They want to militarize justice before the 2026 elections,” claims Sarah Nalwadda, a lawyer in Jinja. “First, they control Parliament—now they want the courts. What’s next?”

“Even the courts won’t save us if this passes,” laments Frank Mugisha, a taxi driver in Nateete. “When has this government ever listened to the people?”

What Happens Next?

The bill is now before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Defense Committee. If the current pace holds:

Committees may rubber-stamp the bill with minimal expert input.

Parliament could vote within weeks, despite public outcry.

Legal challenges may follow, though Uganda’s judiciary has faced accusations of executive interference.

A Call for Transparency

Civil society groups, including the CCG and JAP, have scrambled to submit last-minute memoranda. But as Opiyo notes:

> “A rushed law is a bad law. Ugandans deserve time to understand—and challenge—what’s being imposed in their name.”

The Bottom Line

This bill isn’t just about military reform—it’s a test of Uganda’s democracy. If passed without proper debate, it could entrench unchecked security powers and set a dangerous precedent for future legislation.

Will Parliament listen—or is the decision already made?

By Alexander Luyima
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