The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has announced plans to petition court over the controversial Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed despite protests from opposition legislators and civil society.
Addressing journalists during a joint press conference with members of the Opposition caucus, Ssenyonyi described the legislative process as a sham, accusing both Parliament and the executive of contempt of court and blatant disregard for procedural requirements.
“The process for processing this bill was a sham,” said Ssenyonyi. “It was flaunted. Stakeholders were not given sufficient time to make their input. You cannot bring reports when there has not been time for consultation.”
He argued that the bill, which introduces sweeping changes to the composition and powers of the UPDF, was rushed through the House without adequate public engagement or debate.
“This is not a bill of the people,” he said.
“It’s a bill that was bulldozed through Parliament, ignoring voices that matter.”
Ssenyonyi said the opposition was ready to work with civil society organisations to challenge the legislation in court.
“We’ll be happy to go for a joint suit with civil society members who are also disturbed by the manner in which this was done,” he said.
He added that Parliament and the executive were both acting in defiance of prior court guidance that emphasised public participation in legislative processes.
“We are telling court that both Parliament and government are in contempt of court,” he said.
The UPDF Amendment Bill has drawn criticism from human rights defenders and constitutional lawyers who argue that its provisions undermine civilian oversight of the military and expand the President’s control over the armed forces.
Despite those concerns, the Bill was passed with minimal debate and limited scrutiny, prompting fears that military reform is being used to entrench political power rather than to professionalise the force.
This followed a walkout by the Opposition as tension boiled in Parliament on Tuesday.
Ssenyonyi insisted the opposition would not back down.
“We’re taking this to court, because the people deserve better. This bill cannot be allowed to stand.”