Africa-Press – Uganda. A wave of public criticism is rising against Uganda’s Parliament over its rushed call for public input on the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025.
A notice published in daily newspapers on May 13 gave the public only until May 14 to submit memoranda—an extremely tight window of just 24 hours for a bill with major consequences for the country’s criminal justice system.
This abrupt timeline has sparked widespread concern, with many viewing the invitation as a “cynical attempt at public participation.”
Critics say the limited time frame effectively excludes meaningful public involvement in shaping a law of such national significance.
Legal observers have raised doubts about the legitimacy of the process.
One submitted memorandum stated that under normal circumstances, the failure to honour Article 38 of the Constitution—which guarantees citizens the right to take part in public affairs—should be grounds to invalidate any law passed in such a manner.
The author warned that Parliament’s conduct could amount to a violation of constitutional rights.
Yet, the same submission expressed doubt that Uganda’s judiciary would act on such a violation, citing the current political climate.
“I do hope I am proved wrong and this actually happens,” the memorandum reads, underscoring a growing lack of confidence in the system’s ability to self-correct.
In a particularly sharp rebuke, the author described Parliament’s move as “truly unconscionable,” arguing that denying the public an opportunity to contribute to legislation that affects the criminal justice system is unacceptable.
That frustration is being echoed by a rising number of citizens who believe they are being deliberately sidelined.
The memorandum also captured a wider sense of public disillusionment.
“A significant section of the public has chosen to take the approach that the submission of memoranda… is a mere window dressing exercise since the passage of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 appears to be a fait accompli.”
This belief—that Parliament has already made up its mind—has fuelled scepticism about the sincerity of the consultation process.
Still, the author of the submission chose to engage.
“Those who have taken that approach may be justified in doing so, but I have chosen a different approach and opted to present this memorandum for whatever it is worth.”
Though perhaps symbolic, this act reflects a dilemma many Ugandans face: the tension between exercising their right to participate and questioning whether their voices will truly be heard.
The speed and secrecy surrounding Parliament’s handling of the UPDF Amendment Bill have raised serious questions about its commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
The backlash and warnings of legal consequences reflect a broader unease with a process that many fear could undermine both democratic participation and justice in Uganda.
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