Kampala, May 20, 2025 — Uganda’s opposition lawmakers staged a dramatic walkout from Parliament today, protesting what they described as a “sham process” in the passage of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025—a law that controversially reintroduces military trials for civilians, just months after the Supreme Court declared the practice unconstitutional.

The move comes amid accusations that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) fast-tracked the bill without meaningful public consultation, sidelining key stakeholders, including opposition parties and legal experts.

Why the Opposition Walked Out

1. “One-Hour Notice” for Stakeholder Input

Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi (NUP) revealed that his party was given just one hour’s notice to appear before the Defence and Legal Affairs Committee scrutinizing the bill.

> “We received an invitation at 8 a.m., telling us to appear at 9 a.m. We wrote back requesting more time—only to find the committee had already finalized their report without us,” Ssenyonyi said in Parliament before leading the walkout.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) faced a similar issue, with Vice President Anthony Asiimwe calling the rushed consultations a “mockery of democratic lawmaking.”

2. NRM’s Pre-Determined Outcome

The opposition’s boycott followed a statement by Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, who confirmed that NRM MPs—who dominate Parliament—had already resolved to pass the bill “as is” after a State House caucus meeting chaired by President Museveni.

> “When the ruling party declares the bill will pass unchanged before debate even begins, what’s the point of our participation? This is dictatorship in disguise,” said Erute County MP Jonathan Odur.

3. Contempt of Supreme Court Ruling

In a landmark ruling on January 31, 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court banned military trials for civilians, citing a lack of judicial independence and fair trial guarantees.

Yet, the new bill reintroduces the practice under “exceptional circumstances”—a loophole critics say will be abused to target government opponents.

> “This bill is a direct affront to the Supreme Court. It’s not about national security—it’s about silencing dissent,” said human rights lawyer Peter Walubiri.

Key Concerns: Why This Bill Is Dangerous

A. Military Courts Lack Fair Trial Safeguards

The Supreme Court ruled that military tribunals lack independence, as they report to the High Command, not the judiciary.

The new bill still allows civilians to be tried for vague offenses like “aiding military personnel” or “possessing army equipment.”

B. Political Weaponization Fears

Opposition MPs warn the law will be used to persecute critics, citing past cases where NUP supporters were detained for years without trial in military courts.

> “This is Museveni’s tool of oppression. They’ll arrest activists, journalists, and opposition figures under ‘national security’ pretexts,” said NUP lawyer George Musisi.

C. No Real Public Participation

Despite constitutional requirements for inclusive lawmaking, the bill was pushed through in just three days, with most stakeholders excluded.

What Happens Next?

The opposition has vowed to challenge the bill in court, arguing that the rushed process violated procedural fairness and the Supreme Court’s ruling.

> “We’re filing a joint petition with civil society. This law cannot stand—it’s an insult to democracy,” Ssenyonyi declared.

Meanwhile, analysts warn that the bill’s passage signals a further slide into authoritarianism, with military influence expanding into civilian affairs.

Final Quote for Reflection

> “When you pass laws in darkness, without the people’s voice, you don’t have democracy—you have a dictatorship with a gavel.”
— Dr. Busingye Kabumba, Constitutional Law Expert

Share this story if you believe in transparent, people-centered governance.
#StopMilitaryCourts #UgandaParliamentWalkout

By Alexander Luyima

Related