The Ugandan Parliament has today passed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after a heated debate that exposed deep divisions over the military’s jurisdiction to try civilians and the role of the General Court Martial.
The 143-page bill, tabled by Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, constitutes a major overhaul of the UPDF Act, introducing 84 clauses ranging from structural reforms within the defense forces to the contentious provision on court martial jurisdiction over civilians.
“The committee examined this matter and concludes that the trial of civilians by military courts should occur only in exceptional circumstances, ensuring that a fair trial is guaranteed,” said Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, the chairperson of the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, while presenting the majority report backing the bill.
Also Read: UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 Sparks Parliamentary Walkout
Furthermore, a minority report by Hon. Moses Okot Junior strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it violates the 2021 Supreme Court ruling in Attorney General vs. Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka, which declared the trial of civilians by military courts unconstitutional, except under strictly defined exceptions.
“Granting the General Court Martial powers to try capital offenses, such as murder and treason, elevates it to the same level as the High Court, which is unconstitutional,” Okot told the House. He also faulted the bill for lacking adequate public participation and called for its rejection in its entirety.
In conclusion, Minister Peter Ogwang made an impassioned defense of the bill, recalling his childhood trauma caused by insecurity in Karamoja.
SOURCE: Read the original copy from chimp reports
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