Opposition MPs led by the leader of Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi walked out of parliament during the 34th sitting of the 3rd meeting of the 4th session of he 11th parliament walked out refusing to be part in the debate on UPDF amendment bill 2025 citing the committee’s adequate failure to allocate time for public submission on the bill.
The leader of opposition during the sittings says he was dissatisfied by Mr. Hamson Obua the chief whip’s statement when briefing the media that the UPDF Amendment Bill is going to be passed as it is. Hon. Joel Sseyonyi says the bill was brought by government and thought the government chief whip would be interested in different inputs from stakeholders.
He adds that they cant be part of a sham process for the UPDF Amendment Bill and the Political party amendment Bill.
The Speaker of Parliament proceeded with the sitting as the leader of opposition walked out with the rest of the opposition members out of parliament
What is UPDF Amendment bill 2025
The UPDF Amendment Bill was presented by Hon Jacob Oboth the minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs. It proposes the establishment of Military Courts Department within the defenses forces to handle administration of military justice and a disciplinary unit responsible for the conduct of personal serving in these courts.
The bill proposes to prescribe exceptional circumstances under under which civilians may be tried by the courts marital.
The bill also seeks to align the structure of defense forces with new government policies and administrative frameworks .
Establish new services including the special force command and reserve force and provide for the decentralization of pension management from the ministry of public service to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
The Bill outlines the qualifications and independence of presiding officers of military courts and aimed at aligning the Uganda Peoples forces Act with evolving government policies .
On the other hand, the Political parties amendment bill which was tabled to the August house by Hon. Naut Faith Loru Chuna member of Parliament of Napak Distrct. The amendment will limit support to only political parties that ar members of the national consultative Forum and proposes to formally recognize Inter Party Organization for Dialogue However the opposition MPs have resolved to take legal action against the government accusing it of acting in contempt of Supreme court directive
But will the Opposition win based on their minority seat compared to the number of MPs in the ruling government. With alot of failures seen in the past disagreement when it comes to passing bills in the August house.
The remaining Members Of Parliament who didn’t walk out, passed the Political Parties and Organizations bill and the Uganda People’s Forces Amendment Bill 2025 , Both bills now await for the president to enact it to law.
The Opposition in Uganda might have lost their powers in the parliament and to achieve success they will need to have a strong Unity, Commitment and Support each other despite the various parties they belong too.
