Kampala — National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has sounded a strong warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) ahead of the expected debate on proposed amendments to the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Act.
The amendments, which government is reportedly keen to pass swiftly, are set to be tabled when Parliament resumes from recess on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with NBS, Rubongoya cautioned MPs against supporting the changes without proper scrutiny, warning that the implications could affect not only ordinary Ugandans but also legislators themselves.
“If these amendments are passed, even Members of Parliament could one day find themselves being arrested and dragged before military courts,” Rubongoya said, stressing that the proposed changes would expand the military’s authority to try civilians, which he described as unconstitutional.
He accused the government of using force and intimidation to push through legislation that undermines civil liberties and democratic processes.
“We know this regime may use all sorts of tactics, including force and threats, to pass these laws. But as Ugandans, we must resist,” he urged.
Rubongoya also drew parallels to the 2021 general elections, alleging that the military court system was misused to silence political opposition and suppress dissent.
“We saw what happened last time many of our people were abducted, tortured, and tried in military courts. These amendments are paving the way for a repeat of those abuses in 2026,” he warned.
He clarified that the NUP is not opposing the existence of military courts altogether, but is strongly against the trial of civilians under a military justice system, which he insisted violates Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
The upcoming parliamentary session is expected to be contentious as opposition leaders and civil society groups mobilize to challenge the proposed legal changes.