Hon. Aloysius Mukasa Among Opposition MPs Who Boycotted Controversial UPDF Amendment Bill
Hon. Aloysius Mukasa, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament for Rubaga South, has been among several opposition MPs who walked out of Parliament in protest against the passing of the contentious Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025.
The bill, which reintroduces the trial of civilians in military courts, has ignited intense debate and concern over its implications on constitutional rights and civil liberties.
The opposition boycott followed a unanimous resolution by the NUP-led opposition parliamentary caucus to reject the bill, which they labeled “dangerous and unconstitutional.” Despite their absence, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leveraged its numerical strength to pass the bill, which now awaits President Yoweri Museveni’s assent.
The bill’s passage comes just four months after the Supreme Court ruled, on January 31st, that trying civilians in military courts violates fundamental human rights and undermines due process. Critics argue the new legislation is a deliberate effort by the ruling party to override judicial authority and silence political dissent.
Hon. Mukasa, known for his strong stance on justice and democratic governance, voiced his disapproval in unequivocal terms.
“This is pure nonsense and against the law. The ruling NRM wants to find every reason to torture and persecute those who do not believe in them,” Mukasa told journalists. “We could not be part of this. We cannot betray our people. This bill was not brought in good faith.”
The amendment grants military courts authority to try civilians found with items classified as monopoly military materials, such as army uniforms, firearms, and other restricted equipment. Legal analysts and human rights groups warn that the bill’s vague definitions open the door to political witch-hunts and the harassment of journalists, activists, and government critics.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, also condemned the bill and pledged a united legal response from the opposition.
