Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has criticized the politicization of Uganda’s armed forces, arguing that it undermines the discipline and professionalism of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

Speaking during the presentation of the Opposition’s Alternative Budget Priority Areas for the 2025/2026 financial year, Ssenyonyi also raised concerns over the continued trial of civilians in military courts, despite a Supreme Court ruling against the practice.

“We have UPDF, whose discipline and professionalism are undermined by politicization and unlawful civilian trials in military courts, which is a very problematic issue, even after the Supreme Court ruled that court martials should not try civilians,” Ssenyonyi stated.

His remarks reflect growing concerns over the use of court-martials to prosecute political opponents, activists, and civilians, a trend that human rights groups have repeatedly condemned.

The opposition has consistently argued that military courts should be reserved strictly for service members, as subjecting civilians to such trials violates their constitutional rights.

The government has defended the military’s role in maintaining national security, but critics say the increasing influence of politics within the UPDF threatens its professionalism.

Ssenyonyi’s comments add to ongoing calls for judicial reforms to uphold the independence of civilian courts and ensure that military justice remains within its legal limits.