NUP Faults Parliament Over 'Rushed' UPDF Amendment Bill Process

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has criticised Parliament for what it calls a rushed and exclusionary process in handling the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025.

In a statement, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya expressed disappointment over the short notice given to the party to present its views on the contentious Bill.

Rubongoya revealed that the invitation to appear before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs was sent on the same day the meeting was scheduled May 14 at 9:00 a.m

"Very unfortunate to see the Parliament of Uganda behave in this manner. This morning, we received an invitation to appear and give our views on the UPDF Amendment Bill. The invitation was for today at 9:00 a.m,” Rubongoya said.

He further pointed out that a newspaper advertisement published on Monday, May 13, called for public submissions on the Bill by the end of Tuesday, yet the online link provided to access the draft legislation was non-functional.

"In fact, I tried to check last evening, and the website was off," Rubongoya added, accusing Parliament of violating due process in what he described as an attempt to hurriedly pass "an unconstitutional law.

According to a letter dated May 13 and marked “urgent”, the Office of the Clerk to Parliament directed NUP to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, May 14, at Conference Hall B, South Wing of Parliament.

The letter, signed by Emmanuel Opio on behalf of the Clerk, noted that the Bill had its first reading on the same day and was referred to the Committees on Defence and Internal Affairs, and Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny.

“You will be required to present your views on the Bill and address any other matters that may arise,” the letter stated. It also asked NUP to submit 20 hard copies and a soft copy of its presentation in advance.

However, the opposition party criticised the short notice, arguing it undermines transparency and meaningful public engagement in the legislative process. Rubongoya said NUP had formally requested more time to study the proposed amendments and prepare a detailed response.

“We wrote back asking for ample time to prepare our response to this very problematic law that seeks to illegally take civilians back to military courts,” Rubongoya said, reiterating the party’s long-standing objection to the military trial of civilians.

Rubongoya stressed that NUP members have suffered grave persecution through military courts, and the party is determined to formally register its opposition to any attempt to reinstate or expand their jurisdiction over civilians.