The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has voiced strong opposition to Parliament's proposal to amend the UPDF Act, which would permit military courts to try civilians.

Speaking at their offices in Kampala, Kira Municipality MP and FDC spokesperson Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda emphasized that the amendment undermines constitutional order and infringes upon civilian legal rights.

He further argued that allowing civilians to be prosecuted in military courts is a clear violation of the separation between civilian and military justice systems as outlined in Uganda’s Constitution.

He pointed out that the proposed changes directly challenge a previous Supreme Court ruling that declared military trials for civilians unconstitutional, warning against setting a dangerous legal precedent.

The FDC believes this move could erode public trust in civil institutions and the judiciary, leading to increased fear and reduced confidence in accessing fair and independent legal recourse.

According to him, targeting civilians through military courts enables state abuse, restricts freedoms, and limits individuals’ access to legal protections guaranteed under the national legal framework.

He urged Parliament to respect judicial authority and the Constitution, cautioning that reversing legal progress risks damaging Uganda’s democratic development and human rights record.

The FDC called upon civil society organizations, legal experts, and citizens to unite in rejecting the proposed amendment and defending civil justice and rule of law in Uganda.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to protecting constitutional order, promoting civilian rights, and ensuring justice remains independent from political and military interference in Uganda’s governance system.