The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has announced its intention to challenge the newly enacted Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Constitutional Court, marking what could become a defining legal battle over the boundaries of military power and constitutional governance in Uganda.
President Museveni signed the controversial law on Monday, just weeks after it was passed by Parliament on May 20.
The Act introduces sweeping reforms to Uganda’s military justice system, restructures health services for armed forces personnel, and streamlines veterans’ affairs.
However, critics warn it undermines the rule of law and blurs the constitutional separation of powers.
Hours after the President assented to the Act, the ULS issued a statement condemning the legislation, saying it erodes judicial independence and risks entrenching militarism in civilian institutions.
“The ULS announces its intention to challenge the constitutionality of the UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025,” the lawyers’ body said. “This decision is consistent with the ULS’s longstanding commitment to demilitarization and the protection of human rights, separation of powers, and judicial independence.”
Legal experts and opposition lawmakers have also slammed the law, particularly its provision allowing military courts to try civilians and its centralization of command appointments under the direct control of the President.
Many view the move as a direct affront to judicial oversight and a violation of previous Constitutional Court precedents.
The ULS says it will pursue the matter through its High Profile Case Unit, led by the Office of the ULS President.
“Through our High Profile Case Unit, led by the Office of the ULS President, we will continue to advocate for the rights of detainees affected by the Kabaziguruka Supreme Court decision on the prospective annulment of military court actions,” the ULS said.
The Law Society also drew parallels with its earlier intervention in Constitutional Petition No. 18 of 2005, a landmark case that addressed military overreach into civilian justice systems.
“As evidenced by Constitutional Petition 18 of 2005, the ULS has historically opposed militarism and its encroachment on civilian institutions. We remain resolute in our denunciation of policies that undermine the rule of law and constitutional governance,” the statement read.
Despite resource limitations and what it described as a “lack of transparency” from government, the ULS says it is determined to press ahead.
“Despite challenges posed by the government’s lack of transparency and funding constraints, we are committed to exploring alternative funding sources to pursue justice for these individuals,” it noted.
As part of its advocacy efforts, the ULS also issued a public appeal, calling on citizens to remain alert and engaged.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and reassure them that the Radical New Bar is steadfast in its commitment to protecting their rights and promoting constitutionalism,” the statement added.
No official date has been set for filing the petition, but legal analysts expect the Society to act within weeks, potentially triggering a heated national debate over the role of the military in Uganda’s legal and political affairs.
The Uganda Law Society plans to challenge the UPDF (Amendment) Act 2025 in the Constitutional Court, citing threats to judicial independence, rule of law, and separation of powers
