The National Coordinator of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Alaso Alice Asianut, has strongly criticized the recently passed UPDF Amendment Bill, describing it as a direct attack on constitutionalism, the constitutional order, and the rule of law.
On Tuesday, Parliament passed the controversial bill, which reinstates the trial of civilians in military courts. However, Alaso contends that the move undermines a Supreme Court ruling and represents a dangerous step toward weakening democratic institutions and the separation of powers.
“Passing the UPDF Amendment Bill is a clear attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court’s judgment. It reinforces the collapse of institutional integrity and the erosion of checks and balances in government,” Alaso stated.
She further warned that the bill opens the door to continued abductions and torture of civilians by the military court system.
“Even those who voted in favor of this bill should be concerned. Remember the Public Order Management Act? Its consequences came back to haunt those who pushed for it. The return of civilians to court martial may soon knock on the very doors of its architects,” she said in an official statement.
Highlighting the rise in kidnappings, torture, and human rights abuses, Alaso questioned the enthusiasm with which representatives of the people endorsed a law she described as draconian.
“This is painful, but not surprising at all,” she added. “Parliament has now made a significant contribution to political instability, uncertainty, and human suffering in Uganda.”
In response, Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson, defended the bill. He urged Ugandans to respect the new legal provisions to avoid repercussions.
“Now that the UPDF Amendment Bill has been passed, my advice to Ugandans is to abide by its terms. Avoid illegal acquisition and possession of firearms and other prohibited items covered under the new law,” Kirunda stated.
He also encouraged Members of Parliament and the UPDF to continue educating and sensitizing the public about the bill.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni congratulated Parliament on passing the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, saying it empowers the General Court Martial to try armed civilians involved in murder.
The President praised lawmakers who supported the amendment, asserting that they saved the country from the danger of shielding armed civilians and rogue soldiers from justice.
He called on critics of the bill to leave military matters to the appropriate authorities and urged them to apologize for what he described as an attempt to lead the country into potential chaos.
“Civilians who use guns to commit murder have, by that very act, voluntarily submitted themselves to military law,” the President declared.
CUE IN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI…..ON UPDF BILL…….LUG//
