Kampala, Uganda – Parliament’s atmosphere turned heavy this morning as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi and a group of visibly concerned Opposition MPs arrived ahead of a high-stakes caucus meeting that could determine whether they will attend tomorrow’s heated plenary session.
The UPDF Amendment Bill, a proposed law that could resurrect the practice of trying civilians in military courts.
This legislative flashpoint has ignited a firestorm of political tension, civil society backlash, and fears of shrinking democratic space. Opposition is now on the edge of boycott as it deliberates its next move.
“This isn’t just about legal amendments. This is about how far a government is willing to go to control dissent.”
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2024, scheduled for second reading and potential passing on May 20, proposes changes that would reintroduce military trials for civilians, a practice that was previously condemned by international human rights bodies and ruled unconstitutional by Uganda’s Constitutional Court in certain contexts.
Proponents of the Bill argue that it is necessary to strengthen national security, especially in the wake of increasing political activism, cybercrime and reported threats against military installations.
However, critics call it a legal entrance to oppression, fearing it would be used to criminalize political dissent, silence opposition supporters and bypass the safeguards of Uganda’s civilian judicial system.
“We cannot allow the revival of kangaroo courts that strip Ugandans of their basic right to a fair, civilian trial,” said LoP Joel Ssenyonyi, speaking briefly to reporters before the caucus.
“We’ve seen what this path leads to intimidation, abductions, torture. This is not just unconstitutional, it’s immoral.”
While the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs are expected to vote in favor of the Bill, the Opposition’s stance remains uncertain.
Today’s caucus held behind closed doors is expected to deliver a unified resolution on whether to engage in tomorrow’s plenary or stage a walkout, potentially sparking a parliamentary showdown.
Insiders say the mood in the meeting is intense and defiant with several MPs advocating for civil disobedience if the Bill is passed.
“We are tired of being used to rubber-stamp tyranny. If we don’t resist now, when will we?” said Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda.
Uganda’s legal community is also up in arms. Prominent lawyers and constitutional scholars have warned that military trials for civilians violate Article 28 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to a fair hearing before an independent and impartial court.
Uganda Law Society (ULS) has already threatened legal action should the Bill be passed.
“We shall challenge this in the Constitutional Court again. You cannot militarize justice in a civilian state.”
Civil society organizations, including Chapter Four Uganda and Human Rights Watch have warned that the Bill sets a dangerous precedent and must be stopped at all costs.
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