CONSTITUTION DENIED BY THE PARLIAMENT...

 

The Parliament of Uganda, which was initially structured to promote democracy, rule of law, and constitutionalism, has over time played a significant role in undermining the Constitution through controversial amendments and political patronage. Rather than acting as a watchdog, it has often been seen as protecting the regime in power.

Ugandan parliament has lasted for so far 30 years since 1995. This was established by the 1995 constitution which established Uganda as democratic state with parliamentary system.

Since then, the parliament has been active in law making, approving budget, accounting the executive, vetting appointees through its parliamentary commissions however, has over time played a significant role in undermining the Constitution through controversial amendments and political patronage. Rather than acting as a watchdog, it has often been seen as protecting the regime in power.

Today, we are going to see how Ugandan parliament has overtime undermined the constitution through controversial amendments influenced by the regime (NRM)

 

The Presidential Term Limit Amendment 2005.

When Uganda adopted its current constitution in 1995, it included a two-term limit for the presidency. This provision was seen as a critical safeguard to ensure democratic leadership transition and to prevent the rise of a life presidency, particularly in a country with a history of authoritarianism. Therefore in 2005, the Ugandan Parliament passed a constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits, effectively allowing President Yoweri Museveni to run for office beyond the original two-term limit. It should therefore be remembered, under the leadership of Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi who was the speaker of parliament in those days.

 During the process of passing that bill, It was widely reported and later confirmed by various sources, including Parliamentary investigations, that Members of Parliament (MPs) were bribed with UGX 5 million (approx. $2,000 at the time) to vote in favour of the amendment.

  These bribes were allegedly disguised as “facilitation” payments or “consultation fees”.

The money was reportedly distributed in State House envelopes, indicating direct involvement from the highest levels of government.

The removal of presidential term limits has allowed Museveni to stay in power for nearly forty years now. (cause; the parliament.)

 

Mobilization.> 2011

In 2011 opposition MPs in the 8^th parliament rejected the 20million UGX that had been wired on their account  two months to the end of their tenure for “prosperity for all mobilisation”

 

The presidential age limit amendment 2017. TOGIKWATAKO

one of the most dramatic and politically significant events in the country’s recent political history. It followed the earlier 2005 removal of term limits and further entrenched the power of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in office since 1986. The amendment was carried out in 2017, and the entire process was characterized by controversy, bribery, violence, and a clampdown on dissent.

   Under the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, Article 102(b) stated that:

“A person is not qualified for election as President unless he or she is not less than thirty-five years and not more than seventy-five years of age.”

This meant that President Museveni, who was born in 1944, would be ineligible to run for president in 2021, when he would be 77 years old.

Therefore, the amendment removed the upper age limit (75 years) for presidential candidates. which effectively allowed President Museveni to run again in 2021, and potentially for life.

Still under the leadership of Rebecca Kadaga the then speaker of parliament reports indicated that MPs were bribed with 29 million UGX each (about $8,000 at the time) to support the bill.

The money was allegedly ddisbursed through the Parliamentary Commission, or given in brown envelopes at hotels or private meetings.

Some MPs, like MP Theodore Ssekikubo, publicly returned the money and accused the government of corruption and manipulation.

·       During parliamentary debates, scenes of violence and chaos erupted.

·       On September 27, 2017, security forces stormed Parliament, physically ejecting opposition MPs who opposed the bill.

·       This was captured on live TV and became an international scandal.

·       MPs were beaten, hospitalized, and several filed cases in court.

All caused by the parliament.#

 

The UPDF amendment bill 2025

Restoration of Military Trials for Civilians (2025

In May 2025, Parliament passed an amendment allowing military courts to try civilians, overturning a January Supreme Court ruling that had deemed such trials unconstitutional. Critics argue this move undermines judicial independence and could be used to suppress political dissent, especially ahead of the 2026 elections. The bill awaits presidential assent

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The very bill was escorted by the 100 million UGX to the NRM MPs and their friendly opposition and independent members of parliament. chaired by Anita among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, the parliament first denied the money but later the president clarified how he had given the money, which showed that they were bribed to vote in favour of president Museveni who had showed discontent with the supreme court ruling.

Later he came on and praised the MPs for passing the bill.

Next, we shall dive into the parliament to show you how the parliament has been a key driver of high rate of cases of corruption in Uganda.

 

Up next, the corrupt parliament!!!!!!!!