Kampala, May 20, 2025 — The opposition in Uganda’s Parliament has declared it will challenge the contentious UPDF Amendment Bill in court after staging a dramatic walkout during a key plenary session. Opponents accuse the government of rushing the legislation without adequate public consultation, deeming the process a sham.

Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, criticized the bill’s passage, describing it as unconstitutional and calling for legal action. “We will not participate in debating what is an illegitimate process,” he asserted, emphasizing that the bill was hurried through Parliament, neglecting the court’s guidance on inclusive legislative procedures.

The opposition’s decision came during a press conference held shortly after MPs stormed out of the session en masse. Ssenyonyi highlighted concerns over loopholes in the majority report and the absence of adherence to proper parliamentary standards, which they believe render the legislation invalid.

He further revealed plans to collaborate with civil society organizations to mount a comprehensive legal challenge against the bill, which includes contentious clauses permitting civilian trials in military courts—provisions critics say undermine constitutional protections.

In addition to the UPDF Amendment Bill, the opposition announced intentions to challenge the proposed Political Parties and Organizations Bill, vowing firm resistance to what they describe as unconstitutional government overreach.

As tensions rise, the opposition’s move signals a significant crackdown on the legislative process and an escalation in Uganda’s ongoing political debates over rule of law and transparency.