Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has declared its intention to challenge the constitutionality of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 16, hours after Parliament announced that President Museveni had assented to the UPDF law, ULS sharply criticized the new legislation, citing its potential to undermine the rule of law, erode judicial independence, and blur the constitutional separation of powers.
“The ULS announces its intention to challenge the constitutionality of the UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025,” the lawyers’ body said in a press release, reaffirming its historical position against militarism. “This decision is consistent with the ULS’s longstanding commitment to demilitarization and the protection of human rights, separation of powers, and judicial independence.”
The body further recalled its earlier intervention in Constitutional Petition No. 18 of 2005, and reiterated its principled stance against military encroachment on civilian affairs and the judiciary.
“As evidenced by Constitutional Petition 18 of 2005, the ULS has historically opposed militarism and its encroachment on civilian institutions. We remain resolute in our denunciation of policies that undermine the rule of law and constitutional governance,” the statement read.
The ULS says it will petition the Constitutional Court through its High Profile Case Unit, arguing that the Act violates principles established in prior rulings.
“Through our High Profile Case Unit, led by the Office of the ULS President, we will continue to advocate for the rights of detainees affected by the Kabaziguruka Supreme Court decision on the prospective annulment of military court actions,” the body said.
“Despite challenges posed by the government’s lack of transparency and funding constraints, we are committed to exploring alternative funding sources to pursue justice for these individuals,” the statement added.
The Law Society also issued a call to the public to remain vigilant, promising that what it calls the “Radical New Bar” remains committed to promoting constitutionalism and safeguarding civil liberties in Uganda.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and reassure them that the Radical New Bar is steadfast in its commitment to protecting their rights and promoting constitutionalism,” it said.
The law, which expands military authority, allows military courts to try civilians and centralizes appointments of top UPDF commanders under the President’s direct control.
While no date was mentioned in ULS’s Monday press statement, the statutory body which is responsible for promoting the rule of law and access to justice, is expected to file a petition in the Constitutional Court in the coming weeks, likely to intensify debates over the role of the military in Uganda’s justice system.
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