Parliament in Uproar as Government Tables Controversial UPDF Amendment Bill 2025

Kampala – Parliament descended into chaos today as the government introduced the contentious UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, sparking heated debate and procedural confusion among lawmakers.

The session began in disarray when Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth failed to appear initially, forcing State Minister for Finance David Bahati to table the bill without proper documentation – a move that immediately drew protests from opposition MPs.  

Minister of State for Defence Huda Aleru attempted to salvage the situation but faced her challenges, being relatively new to the portfolio. When Minister Oboth Oboth finally arrived, his failure to provide lawmakers with the necessary background documents only fueled the growing frustration in the chamber.  

The bill proposes significant changes to military courts, including expanding their jurisdiction over civilians in certain circumstances. This provision proved particularly divisive, with Opposition Chief Whip Joel Ssenyonyi leading the charge against what he called "a dangerous militarisation of justice."  

Speaker Anita Among struggled to maintain order, at one point declaring: "This is not the time for prolonged debate on this bill." She referred the legislation to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, urging them to expedite their review.  

However, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and other opposition members condemned the bill's introduction, arguing it was brought in bad faith. "These amendments are being pushed through without proper consideration for their implications on civilian rights," Ssemujju charged.  

The chaotic scenes highlighted growing tensions between the government and the opposition over security legislation, with critics accusing the ruling party of rushing through controversial measures. As Parliament adjourned, many questions remained about the bill's future and whether the government would make concessions to address lawmakers' concerns.  

The proposed changes come at a sensitive time for Uganda's security sector, following recent regional deployments and ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Observers warn the bill could face legal challenges if passed in its current form.  

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