The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has criticized the plan to amend the UPDF Act to enable military courts to try civilians.
Parliament will consider the bill today, in a session that is expected to be heated. Security has been beefed up around the parliamentary premises.
Ibrahim Ssemujju, the spokesperson of PFF, told journalists that the move violates the Constitution.
“We have learnt our colleagues within the NRM parliamentary caucus went to Entebbe to meet President Museveni on the proposed amendments in the UPDF Act. This is a violation of human rights and an abuse of the supreme law of the land,” he said.
The caucus agreed to support the amendment of the act according to Denis Obua, the government chief whip.
The Supreme Court ruled early this year that it was illegal to try civilians in the Court Martial because it was not explicitly stated in the law (UPDF Act), which establishes military courts. However, it left open the possibility that the law can be amended to cater for this.
Dr Kizza Besigye, a founding member of PFF, has spent more than 180 days on remand in Luzira Prison, having been initially charged in the General Court Martial. He faces charges of treason.
Wasswa Birigwa, a founder member of PFF, said Museveni should not forget that many Ugandans sacrificed to ensure peace and democracy. Amending the UPDF Act, he said, will mean that these sacrifices were made in vain.
He cautioned NRM legislators that some of them could be the first victims of the amended law.
Wafula Oguttu condemned the intrigue among some opposition actors, saying this had affected unity in defending human rights, good governance, and advocating for the rule of law.
