Controversial UPDF Bill Sparks Legal Uproar
Kampala-Uganda. The recent passage of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by Parliament has sparked widespread backlash from legal professionals, opposition leaders, and human rights advocates. The proposed law, which is now awaiting presidential assent, has been heavily criticized for undermining constitutional principles, due process, and human rights—particularly in relation to the continued trial of civilians in military courts. Critics argue that the legislature missed a crucial chance to address long-standing flaws in the military justice system. They contend that instead of reforming problematic provisions, the Bill reinforces practices that are inconsistent with Uganda’s constitutional framework. Alice Alaso, the acting national coordinator for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and a former Member of Parliament, denounced the Bill as being imposed on the public without proper consultation. “This law is an affront to constitutionalism and an open attack […]