By Members of Parliament have expressed deep concern over the increasing militarisation of the parliamentary precincts, citing today’s heavy deployment as excessive and intimidating.
The deployment, which saw roads leading to Parliament blocked and soldiers and police stationed at multiple points, comes amid deliberations on the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill. The bill has triggered widespread speculation and unease among lawmakers and the public.
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Nakaseke South MP Paul Lutamaguzi Semakula was forced to abandon his car and arrive at Parliament on a boda boda, saying the roadblocks and troop presence made it “almost impossible” to access the House by vehicle.
“With coming to Parliament, I thought it would be easier to use a boda boda rather than my car, because it’s marginal and anything can happen to me at any time,” Lutamaguzi said. “There are people who think they are bigger than the rest of Uganda, and that’s why we’re always inconvenienced.”
He added that the obstruction of public roads, particularly during presidential movements, has become the norm. “Sometimes, we wait four hours just for the president to pass. If soldiers don’t allow cars near Parliament, then using a boda makes more sense,” he remarked.
The deployment appears to stem from fears that the UPDF Amendment Bill could trigger protests or civil unrest, with rumours circulating that demonstrators might target Parliament. However, legislators say the state’s response has been disproportionate.
Kyadondo East MP Muwada Nkunyinji warned against normalising legislative sessions under military pressure. “We always legislate, but if we do so under pressure, that undermines democracy,” he said. “Debate and submission must not be on gunpoint.”
Nkunyinji said the presence of “drone vehicles” and “militants” in and around Parliament was reminiscent of operations seen in Kawempe North and other areas where security forces have been accused of human rights violations. “This is concerning,” he added. “Parliament must sit in a normal environment, free from fear and open to public scrutiny.”
Access roads to Parliament were sealed off, and checkpoints were mounted throughout the area. MPs complained of irrelevant demands at the roadblocks and said such measures were intimidating both to legislators and citizens.
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The UPDF Amendment Bill has sparked sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society, who argue that it risks politicising the military and eroding civilian oversight. While the government insists the law is necessary to streamline military operations and command, opponents see it as a move to consolidate power and suppress dissent ahead of the 2026 elections.
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