Opposition Members of Parliament led by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi on Tuesday May 20 2025 walked out of Parliament in protest over what they called a “sham process” in the handling of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025 and the Political Parties Amendment Bill.
Ssenyonyi, during a press briefing outside the parliamentary chambers, accused the Speaker of Parliament of rushing the bills without allowing time for public consultation, despite earlier promises to do so.
“When you bring a bill like this, you must give time for public input. This is a shame. Letters were sent to stakeholders this very morning asking them to attend, this is not proper consultation,” Ssenyonyi said.
According to the opposition, different stakeholders including political parties, the Uganda Law Society, and civil society organisations were denied meaningful participation in the law-making process.
“The Speaker had promised to avail time for proper consultation, but over the weekend, the joint committee was already processing the bill. This means stakeholders were locked out and their views ignored,” Ssenyonyi said. “Laws are made for the people, and the people must be consulted.”
He further added that the Speaker was now suggesting that members wait until the Bills Committee stage to raise concerns, which he said was against procedure.
“Once you go to the committee stage, you cannot go back to gather stakeholder views. That is why we are calling this a sham process,” he said.
Ssenyonyi revealed that the opposition has decided to boycott the session and take the matter to court.
“We have grounds. Article 92 is being violated, the Supreme Court decision is being disregarded, and Parliament is in contempt,” he charged.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Amendment Bill, 2025 seeks to introduce significant changes to Uganda’s military justice system, redefine military jurisdiction over civilians, and restructure internal military administration in line with constitutional reforms.
Among the most contentious proposals is a new section that would bring certain civilians under military law. These include persons accompanying military units in active service, individuals under contract with the UPDF, persons found unlawfully possessing military arms or equipment, civilians aiding members of the armed forces, and those unlawfully wearing UPDF uniforms. Critics argue that this expansion opens the door for abuse and the militarisation of civilian justice, especially in politically charged environments.
Despite the opposition’s resistance, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has rallied behind the bill. During a high-level caucus meeting chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe on Monday evening, NRM MPs unanimously agreed to support the UPDF Amendment Bill.
“The caucus endorsed the Bill, and we expect its smooth passage in Parliament,” said Government Chief Whip Denis Obua during a press briefing shortly after the meeting.
With 337 of the 529 MPs in Parliament, the NRM commands a comfortable majority, making it likely the bill will pass with minimal resistance unless successfully challenged in court.
As the controversy deepens, civil society actors and legal experts are also expected to weigh in on the bill’s implications for constitutional rights and the rule of law in Uganda.
