The Katonga Road faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), now operating under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has warned members of parliament against amending the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act to allow military courts to try civilians.
Speaking at the PFF offices in Kampala, Kira Municipality MP and PFF spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda condemned the proposed amendment, describing it as an attack on constitutional order and a direct attempt to override a Supreme court ruling.
“This amendment is not only unconstitutional, it seeks to reverse a decision of the highest court in the land and undermine civilian justice,” Ssemujju stated.
He further alleged that MPs are being bribed with Shs 100 million each to support the amendment, echoing earlier claims that lawmakers received similar payouts for passing the controversial Coffee Amendment Bill in 2023.
Last week, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed that the UPDF Act amendment would be tabled during the current parliamentary session. The move follows the Supreme Court’s recent ruling declaring it unconstitutional for military courts to try civilians and even questioning the legitimacy of court martial proceedings against military personnel, citing structural flaws.
According to Ssemujju, the push for amendments is a reaction to this ruling and appears to be influenced by President Yoweri Museveni’s dissatisfaction, especially as it could impact high-profile cases, including that of Dr Kizza Besigye.
Besigye, who was arrested in Kenya in November 2024 is facing treason charges alongside political ally Obed Lutale Kamulegeya and UPDF Captain Denis Oola. Their case, initially under military jurisdiction, was transferred to civilian court following the Supreme court’s ruling.
However, the High court last week denied bail to Besigye and Lutale, prompting outrage from PFF.
“The country and PFF rejects this ruling with the contempt it deserves…How on earth can a sane judge rule that although you fulfill these requirements for bail, I can’t give it to you? We are putting some of these judges on notice, that if you don’t stop acting on behalf of the dictator, you risk becoming a target,” said Ssemujju, wjo also criticized the Electoral Commission for delaying the registration of PFF as a political party.
He noted that despite initiating the process eight months ago, the commission has yet to issue a certificate of registration.
“We are running out of patience. We fulfilled all legal requirements, but the Commission is clearly dragging its feet,” he added.
If passed, the UPDF Act amendment would mark a significant shift in Uganda’s judicial landscape, potentially reviving military trials for civilians—a practice that human rights advocates have long criticized.
But an ammendment cannot be brought to parliament bcoz one party lost a case. m7 kabaziguruka won a case against m7, now m7 wants to ammend the constitution after the ruling.
Even if it comes to blows in this rowdy African Parliament of Uganda as it was done before, it seems that the executive has already put his cards on the table for these money minded MPs to do what is best for them. Such selfish political maneuvering only exacerbate an already worsting situation concerning the human rights abuse in this poor African country!
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), now operating under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) will only be useful to Ugandans when they stop pretending Uganda is a country, ignoring soon 40 years of Rwandese Museveni is normal!
Why are the fake opposition parties ensuring Uganda belongs to Rwandese Museveni & will leade naive Ugandans to next fake elections to ensure Museveni’s 45 years of ownership of Uganda legally, officially, constitutionally with next fake elections?
As the fake opposition leaders are so so happy to keep Museveni on & have no plans for a Uganda without Museveni, there is no need for next fake parliamentary, local elections!
Museveni will rule with or without fake presidential election, so why go for it knowing it will only protect him?
Just NO to the tribalistic system & UNITY under just ONE National/Common Leader, are all Ugandans need, if they want Museveni out, then put in place the kind of governance they want, without armed war!
So, why wait for next fake elections that are not needed?
sseguya, thanks.
Nothing will ever be normally handled, especially as there is no real opposition to Museveni & those in posts work for him, helped by fake opposition parties/leaders!
Just NO to the tribalistic system & UNITY with just ONE National/Common Leader are all Ugandans need, if they want Museveni out, then govern as they wish!
There is no need for next fake elections that will only reaffirm Ugandans still want, need, Museveni because they cannot live without him, so they protect with fake elections!
{Even if it comes to blows in this rowdy African Parliament of Uganda as it was done before, it seems that the executive has already put his cards on the table for these money minded MPs to do what is best for them. Such selfish political maneuvering only exacerbate an already worsting situation concerning the human rights abuse in this poor African country!}
Kabayekka, thanks.
Why will powerless tribally divided ruled Ugandans go for next useless parliamentary election to continue paying mps for ensuring Uganda remains undeveloped, the people poorer living in ratholes without running water, without good healthcare, without good schools, without modernising agriculture, without good roads, without electricity?
The situation is now so so inhuman as so called opposition leaders are ensuring fake elections that bolster, protect Museveni & the inhuman system he put in place, thus ensure Ugandans are poor slaves for good!
Why will Ugandans go for next useless parliamentary election?
Rwandese Museveni will rule with or without fake presidential elections as only NO to the tribalistic system & UNITY can block & stop him!