Kampala, Uganda – Just minutes after the controversial Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill was passed in Parliament, First Son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba took to social media to congratulate the ruling party legislators, hailing them as fearless patriots and defenders of Uganda.
“I want to congratulate the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney General, the Minister of Defence, the Chief Whip of NRM and all NRM MPs for passing the amended UPDF bill. Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment. God bless you all,” tweeted Muhoozi.
His remarks come amid a storm of controversy, walkouts by opposition MPs, public outcry, and fierce criticism over the bill’s hurried passage raising fundamental questions about transparency, public consultation and the militarization of governance.
The UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces several sweeping changes to Uganda’s military law, including expansion of military jurisdiction to try civilians in certain cases, broader arrest and detention powers granted to military intelligence and strengthened legal backing for the SFC (Special Forces Command) to operate beyond presidential protection including involvement in internal security.
While NRM MPs say the amendments are aimed at modernizing the force and tightening national security, critics argue that the bill is a blueprint for deepening military control over civil affairs.
Earlier today, opposition legislators led by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi dramatically stormed out of Parliament in protest accusing the Speaker of fast-tracking the bill without adequate public scrutiny.
“We refuse to legitimize an illegal process. Ugandans deserve to be consulted not bulldozed,” Ssenyonyi declared outside the chambers.
Hon. Ssemujju Nganda added a chilling reminder during plenary saying;
“Madam Speaker, I want assurance that you will not surrender us again to be beaten by the SFC!”
Hon. Juliet Kakande another NUP MP, chastised her colleagues saying;
“We are not here to put on a show we are here to represent the people.”
Civil society organisations, legal experts and ordinary citizens have questioned the timing and process behind the amendment.
No formal public consultations were held and the bill was rushed through committee stages in less than two weeks raising fears of authoritarian backsliding in a country still grappling with police brutality, unlawful detentions and shrinking civic space.
Muhoozi’s celebratory tweet has fueled renewed speculation about his political intentions as the general continues to position himself as a patriotic voice and defender of national sovereignty.
This latest development adds another layer to Uganda’s increasingly fragile democracy where military influence in civilian spaces is no longer whispered about but boldly endorsed by the ruling elite.
Political analyst Dr. Muwanga Kivumbi warns that;
“When Parliament is reduced to a security extension and dissent is criminalized, the country must ask: Is this governance or intimidation?”
The UPDF Amendment Bill may have passed but it has fractured Parliament, enraged the opposition and left many Ugandans uneasy about the growing shadow of military authority over general public life.
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