Gen Muhoozi cheers ‘fearless’ MPs for passing UPDF Bill as army wows ‘decisive’ action
Col Chris Magezi, acting head of the Defence Ministry’s Public Information Office and CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. PHOTO/COMBO
What you need to know:
- First son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba salutes decisive Parliament approval of controversial army court law.
Uganda’s army chief and first son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Tuesday praised Parliament for passing a controversial Bill that expands military courts’ powers to try civilians, calling lawmakers who supported the measure “fearless patriots”.
The UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by the ruling party-dominated Parliament despite fierce opposition from civil society, legal experts, and opposition MPs, who argue it violates a January 31 Supreme Court ruling declaring such trials unconstitutional.
“I want to congratulate the Speaker of Parliament [Anita Among], the Attorney General [Kiryowa Kiwanuka], the Minister of Defence [Jacobs Oboth-Oboth], the Chief Whip of NRM [Hamson Obua] and all NRM MPs for passing the amended UPDF Bill,” Muhoozi posted on X, formerly Twitter.
He added: “Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment.”
The law allows military tribunals to try civilians in cases involving restricted weapons, treason, or collusion with soldiers in serious crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder.
The government and army say the changes are needed to address national security threats.
Defending the legislation, Col Chris Magezi, acting head of the Defence Ministry’s Public Information Office, said the Act would "decisively deal with armed violent criminals, deter militant political groups, and anchor national security on a firm foundation.”
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” he added, appearing to reject claims that the amendment undermines judicial independence or violates constitutional protections.
Critics warn the law could be weaponised to target government opponents ahead of the 2026 general elections. Opposition MPs condemned it as “an attempt to legitimise illegitimacy.”
“The regime is preparing to criminalise opposition politics under the cover of national security,” Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi held.
On Tuesday, Opposition MPs walked out of the House before the Bill’s approval, citing Article 92 of the Constitution, which prohibits Parliament from enacting laws aimed at overturning specific court decisions.
The Act comes just 109 days after the Supreme Court ruled military courts lacked jurisdiction over civilians, ordering that such cases, including those of prominent opposition figures like Kizza Besigye — be transferred to civilian courts.
Besigye, a former presidential candidate and government critic, is currently in detention facing national security-related charges together with his aide Obeid Lutale and UPDF soldier Denis Oola.
President Museveni is expected to sign the bill into law, a procedural formality given his longstanding support.
Rights groups, legal experts and opposition MPs say they are preparing to challenge the legislation in court.
