Akena slams Museveni over controversial UPDF Amendment Bill, warns of 'Military takeover'

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has condemned the government over the proposed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025, warning that the changes could dangerously tilt Uganda toward military rule.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Akena accused President Museveni of engineering legislation that, if passed, would entrench the power of the UPDF High Command while eroding civilian oversight and constitutional checks.

“This bill is not just an amendment. It is a calculated attempt to institutionalise military dominance over civilian life. It seeks to legalize a structure where the UPDF High Command becomes a law unto itself,” Akena said.

The bill, which was tabled in Parliament on May 13 for first reading, proposes expanded powers for the UPDF High Command, particularly in decision-making, deployment, and internal operations without mandatory parliamentary approval or civilian review.

The UPC leader warned that such provisions could lead to the militarisation of key aspects of civilian governance.

“Once the UPDF High Command is given free rein, reversing that power will be nearly impossible,” Akena stated.

He pointed to what he described as a growing trend in President Museveni’s administration, where military personnel increasingly oversee sectors such as health, education, and even revenue collection.

“This bill only formalizes what has been happening behind closed doors,” he said.

Akena also drew attention to recent reports of alleged torture, including the case of Eddie Mutwe, a member of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), whose image was reportedly circulated by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Akena decried the growing impunity in the security forces.

“There is no authority that can remove the rights of citizens and transfer them to the UPDF High Command,” he said.

The bill also includes a controversial provision to reinstate the General Court Martial's jurisdiction over civilians, a move that critics argue undermines a 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the Kabaziguruka v. Attorney General* case, which deemed such trials unconstitutional.

“This is not about political affiliation. This is about the future of Uganda’s democracy,” Akena emphasised.

“We cannot allow the UPDF to be weaponized for political ends.”

Parliament has since referred the bill to the Legal and Defence committees for scrutiny. Officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Attorney General’s office appeared before the committees on Wednesday to defend the proposed changes.

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a long-time critic of Museveni’s government, was seen arriving at Nakawa Magistrate’s Court on April 30 alongside Haji Obeid Lutale, in a separate case highlighting what opposition leaders call a pattern of state intimidation.

“We will not allow a return to the dark days. The UPC remains committed to defending the rights and dignity of all Ugandans,” Akena warned