Mpuuga, Sseggona Lead Defiant Stand: 14 MPs Pen Biting Minority Report Against UPDF Bill

Fourteen (14) opposition MPs, led by Nyendo-Mukungwe MP and Parliamentary Commissioner Mathias Mpuuga, have authored a minority report vehemently rejecting the passage of the contentious UPDF Amendment Bill.

This bill, which reverted the trial of civilians in military courts after MPs approved it on May 20, 2025, during a one-sided plenary session following the opposition’s premature walkout on LoP Joel Ssenyonyi’s surprise directive, was adopted by the majority report penned by ruling party MPs. However, the minority MPs argue that the bill is unconstitutional and undermines the rule of law.

Issued on May 20, 2025, the minority report provides justifiable reasons for dissenting from the majority report.

The minority MPs cited the January 31, 2025, Supreme Court judgment that outlawed the trial of civilians in military courts.

“The locus classicus case is the Supreme Court judgement in Attorney General vs Hon. Micheal A. Kabaziguruka Constitutional Appeal No.2 of 2021 [arising from Constitutional petition No.45 of 2016],” the MPs stated, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Constitution and the rule of law.

The minority report outlined several grounds for dissent, including a violation of the Constitution, specifically Article 92, which restricts retrospective legislation.

“Parliament shall not pass any law to alter the decision or judgment,” they quoted, stressing the necessity of respecting the judiciary’s decisions.

The MPs contended that Clause 30 of the bill, which proposes to introduce a new section 117A in the UPDF Act, is an attempt to re-enact Section 117, which the Supreme Court struck down for violating Article 28(1), 44(c), and 128(1) of the Constitution.

“This action amounts to contempt of the Supreme Court, which is criminal; a path that must be avoided by our respectable Parliament,” the MPs warned, emphasizing the need for Parliament to heed the Supreme Court’s decisions and uphold the Constitution.

They further asserted that the bill’s provisions would undermine the doctrine of separation of powers, a cornerstone of democratic governance.

Other grounds for dissent included the legality of military trials, lack of public participation, and unconstitutional expansion of military court jurisdiction.

The MPs also noted constitutional limitations on Parliament’s powers, the lack of independence and impartiality of the Court Martial, and non-compliance with judicial advisory orders stemming from the Supreme Court ruling.

The minority report was signed by the following MPs:

• Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe)
• Medard Lubega Sseggona
• Asuman Basalirwa
• Richard Lumu
• Derick Nyeko
• Kiwanuka Abdullah
• Robert Ssekitoleeko
• Santa Alum
• Wilfred Niwagaba
• Peter Okeyoh
• Betty Nambooze Okot Bitek Junior
• Gilbert Oulanya
• Patrick Nsanja

When LoP Ssenyonyi abruptly directed opposition MPs to storm out of Parliament, Mpuuga and his group delegated Bitek Junior to deliver the minority report on behalf of the bulldozed opposition MPs.