NUP Diaspora Leadership Condemns UPDF Amendment Bill as a Tool of Repression
Even if this amendment is challenged in court, the regime is counting on prolonged judicial delays—as was the case in Kabaziguruka, where justice took nearly five years to be served. During that time, civilians endured unlawful detention. The regime now seeks a similar delay, using this law to punish political expression while hiding behind legal formality.
Uganda Today: NUP Diaspora Leadership Condemns UPDF Amendment Bill as a Tool of Repression
By Dr. Daniel Kawuma
NUP Diaspora Team Leader
May 20, 2025 – The National Unity Platform (NUP) Diaspora Leadership strongly condemns the recent passage of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill by the Parliament of Uganda. This legislation, hurriedly passed in a partisan and coercive manner, marks yet another dangerous milestone in Uganda’s drift toward authoritarian rule and militarized injustice.
The bill is not only unconstitutional—it is a deliberate assault on the rights and freedoms of Ugandan citizens. Originally designed to discipline serving military personnel, the court martial system has been systematically repurposed by the Museveni regime into an instrument of political persecution. This amendment now seeks to provide a veneer of legal legitimacy to that abuse.
Under the pretext of safeguarding national security, the amendment dramatically expands the jurisdiction of the military court martial to include civilians, even for ill-defined offenses such as wearing military-style attire. These vague provisions are the same tools the regime has used to abduct, detain, and prosecute young Ugandans—particularly supporters of the National Unity Platform—since the 2021 general elections.
This bill is not about national security. It is about criminalizing political engagement and silencing dissent ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Moreover, this amendment flies in the face of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and defies the ruling of the Supreme Court in the landmark Kabaziguruka v. Attorney General appeal case. In that case, the Court unanimously ruled that military tribunals lack constitutional authority to try civilians. Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, delivering the lead judgment, outlined the inherent deficiencies of military courts, including their lack of independence, judicial tenure, and professional qualifications.
It is not a coincidence that this amendment has come now. It is a strategic move by the regime to entrench a legal foundation for the continued persecution of political opponents. Many NUP supporters arrested during and after the 2021 elections remain in prisons and some in military detention without trial, some for over four years. Courts have ordered these cases transferred to civilian jurisdictions, yet the regime has refused to comply—instead choosing to rewrite the law to defend its illegal actions.
This is not governance. It is legalized tyranny.
Even if this amendment is challenged in court, the regime is counting on prolonged judicial delays—as was the case in Kabaziguruka, where justice took nearly five years to be served. During that time, civilians endured unlawful detention. The regime now seeks a similar delay, using this law to punish political expression while hiding behind legal formality.
We therefore call upon:
-
The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Uganda
To prioritize and urgently hear legal challenges against this amendment and affirm the constitutional rights of all Ugandans. -
The Uganda Law Society and civil society organizations
To actively defend the rule of law and resist this blatant overreach. -
The international community
Including democratic governments, human rights institutions, and development partners, to publicly condemn this legislation and suspend military or financial assistance to Uganda’s security sector until the regime ends its misuse of justice mechanisms. -
All Ugandans—especially the youth
To understand the gravity of this moment. This law is designed to intimidate and silence. But instead of demoralizing us, it should awaken and mobilize us.
The UPDF Amendment Bill is a betrayal of our Constitution. It turns Uganda’s military justice system into a battlefield against peaceful civilians whose only offense is demanding a freer, more just future.
As the NUP Diaspora Leadership, we stand in unwavering solidarity with all victims of political persecution. We will continue to expose, resist, and challenge every attempt to enshrine injustice in law.
Justice will prevail. Uganda belongs to all of us—not to a dictator, not to a regime, not to a military court.
Dr. Daniel Kawuma
NUP Diaspora Team Leader
Email: teamleader@diasporanup.org
Editor’s Note: Uganda Today news website offers opportunities to people of diverse political affiliations to express themselves. The sentiments expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Uganda Today.
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