NUP Petitions Court Over UPDF Amendment Act, Cites Violation of Constitution

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has filed a Constitutional Petition challenging the recently passed UPDF Amendment Act of 2025, arguing that it was enacted without quorum in Parliament and in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the trial of civilians in military courts.

The petition, lodged on Wednesday before the Constitutional Court, seeks orders stopping the implementation of the law, which NUP describes as “draconian” and a violation of constitutional safeguards on fair trial, separation of powers, and judicial independence.

According to the party, the law was passed in “blatant disregard” of the Supreme Court’s January 31, 2025 ruling that declared the trial of civilians by the General Court Martial unconstitutional.

Party Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya told journalists that the case — filed as Constitutional Petition No. 16 of 2025, National Unity Platform vs. Attorney General & Others — aims to restore the rule of law.

“This morning, we filed Constitutional Petition No. 16 of 2025, National Unity Platform @NUP_Ug versus the Attorney General & Others. We are challenging the provisions of the UPDF Amendment Act, which returned civilians to military courts. Hopefully, the Constitutional Court will hear this petition expeditiously and put an end to these illegalities,” Rubongoya said.

He revealed that the NUP delegation was accompanied by former political prisoners, families of incarcerated members, and victims of military court trials, including Maama Machete and Olivia Lutaaya.

The opposition party reaffirmed its commitment to “defending the freedom of all Ugandans and fighting dictatorship using every means available.”