UPDF Amendment Act 2025: What did President Museveni forget about the law?

The recent passage of the UPDF Amendment Act 2025 has emerged as a troubling testament to the deterioration of justice in Uganda.

As we reflect on President Yoweri Museveni’s 1987 speech to the Uganda Law Society, where he articulated profound truths about the law, we must confront the stark reality that the very principles he espoused have been abandoned.

Museveni rightly stated that “Law can be an instrument of oppression and exploitation or an instrument of social injustice.”

Yet, today, we witness a disturbing reversal, as laws are manipulated to serve the interests of the powerful at the expense of the marginalized. The UPDF Amendment Act serves to institutionalize the very injustices that Museveni condemned decades ago, allowing military courts to adjudicate civilian cases.

This is not just an affront to the rule of law; it undermines the very foundation of a fair judicial system. The Supreme court has clearly ruled that court martials are disciplinary tribunals intended for military personnel, lacking the jurisdiction to try civilians.

This ruling underscored a crucial principle: that justice must be administered by courts established under the Constitution and law, ensuring impartiality and fairness. By pushing for this amendment, Museveni demonstrates a troubling lack of confidence in the judiciary epitomized by competent legal and fair-minded persons, raising questions about the motives behind such a drastic shift.

What are the “mischiefs” that cannot be addressed by traditional courts? What is he afraid of? This Act not only erodes trust in the legal system but also sends a chilling message to dissenters and civil society.

It is a blatant attempt to instill fear, quelling opposition through the threat of military justice rather than fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. The use of law as an instrument of oppression is a dangerous precedent, one that can easily escalate into further abuses of power.

As citizens, we must not remain silent in the face of such regressive actions. It is essential to advocate for a legal framework that prioritizes justice, equality and human rights.

The UPDF Amendment Act 2025 must be challenged vigorously, for it represents not just a legislative change, but a fundamental shift away from the ideals of democracy and justice that many have fought so hard to uphold. Ugandans need a justice system that is truly fair and equitable, one that does not discriminate based on status or power.

The law should serve as a beacon of hope rather than a tool of tyranny.