UPDF Act Challenge: Ssemugenyi Court Petition
- A legal challenge has been filed against Uganda's UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025, igniting debate over the balance of power and the role of the military.
- The Attorney General and Parliament are named as defendants in the case.
- Beyond the issue of military trials, the petition raises concerns about electoral malapportionment.
Dr. Ssemugenyi‘s court petition challenges the controversial UPDF (Amendment) Act of 2025, sparking a legal battle over military trials of civilians. The petition focuses on the act’s implications for Uganda’s constitution,emphasizing concerns about fair hearings adn judicial independence. Beyond military jurisdiction, the challenge also spotlights electoral malapportionment, questioning the legitimacy of the parliament that enacted the law and the fairness of depiction. Ssemugenyi argues this undermines equal suffrage, and seeks to reinforce constitutional protections. this is a legal fight for justice. Stay informed with News Directory 3 for the latest updates on this developing story. Discover what’s next …
Uganda Law Faces Court Challenge Over Military Trials
Updated June 24, 2025
A legal challenge has been filed against Uganda’s UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025, igniting debate over the balance of power and the role of the military. The petition, brought by Dr.Ssemugenyi, targets the act’s provision allowing military courts to try civilians, arguing it violates constitutional rights to a fair hearing.
The Attorney General and Parliament are named as defendants in the case. Ssemugenyi’s petition asserts the UPDF Amendment Act infringes upon multiple articles of the Constitution,including those guaranteeing fair trials and judicial independence. He contends the act attempts to override Supreme Court rulings and disrupt the separation of powers.
Beyond the issue of military trials, the petition raises concerns about electoral malapportionment. Ssemugenyi argues the law was enacted by a parliament that doesn’t accurately represent the Ugandan population, violating constitutional requirements for equally populated constituencies.
Ssemugenyi highlighted the disparities in constituency sizes.He noted some constituencies have as few as 59,000 residents, while others exceed 150,000.He argues these imbalances undermine equal suffrage and contribute to a skewed parliamentary majority.
“Even with presidential assent, a law that contradicts the constitution remains subject to judicial review. Constitutional supremacy cannot be set aside by political convenience,” Ssemugenyi said.
Ssemugenyi seeks a court declaration that the UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025, is unconstitutional. He also wants the court to acknowledge the current constituency framework fails to reflect the will of the people. Furthermore, he advocates for reinforcing constitutional protections against military trials of civilians and promoting electoral and legislative reforms.
“This is not a protest; it is a patriotic duty,” Ssemugenyi said in a press release. “A quiet but firm stand for the constitution, for justice, and for the Ugandan spirit of fairness.”
What’s next
The constitutional Court will review the petition to determine the constitutionality of the UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025. The case is expected to have significant implications for Uganda’s democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.The outcome will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.