KAMPALA
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has launched a blistering attack on Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), calling them “enemies of our country” following the passage of a controversial amendment to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Bill.
The amendment, which was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, grants military courts expanded powers to try civilians accused of offenses related to security, firearms, and military equipment. The move has drawn widespread criticism from human rights advocates, legal experts, and the opposition.
“All those greedy, selfish, myopic NRM MPs who passed the UPDF Amendment to try civilians in military courts are enemies of our country and must be seen as such!” Bobi Wine posted on his official social media platforms.
Opposition politicians, human rights activists and Museveni’s government critics have expressed fears, claiming that the move is an attempt to suppress dissent and entrench authoritarianism under the guise of national security. They warned that trying civilians in military courts undermines constitutional rights and could be used to target political opponents.
“History will judge the MPs wrong and this parliament for passing a law that has dealt a death knell to political freedom in the country, and stuck out middle finger to the country’s supreme court,” said Nicholas Opiyo, a human rights lawyer and founder of Chapter Four Uganda.
According to Opiyo, the legislation threatens civil liberties and judicial independence.
However, NRM officials have defended the bill, stating it is a necessary step to bolster national security and ensure effective prosecution of crimes involving military-related offenses.
Opposition legislators have vowed to challenge the amendment in court, calling it unconstitutional and a danger to the rule of law.
