The Ugandan Parliament has today passed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (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 Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, constitutes a major overhaul of the UPDF Act, introducing 84 clauses ranging from structural reforms within the Defence 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.
However, 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 offences, 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.
Several opposition MPs echoed these concerns.
MP Muhammad Nsereko moved to delete Clause 30—which introduces Section 117A defining broad categories of civilians who may be tried by military courts—including civilians found with military equipment, those aiding military personnel in crimes, and contractors or persons ‘engaged’ with the military. Nsereko lost the vote.
He also opposed Clause 38, arguing it grants the General Court Martial equal footing with the High Court, contrary to constitutional provisions on judicial hierarchy. That motion too was defeated.
Meanwhile, Minister Peter Ogwang made an impassioned defense of the Bill, recalling his childhood trauma caused by insecurity in Karamoja.
“My mother was raped by Karimojong warriors. I know what it means to live in a lawless society. This Bill strengthens military discipline and protects citizens,” he said.
MP Fadhil Chemaswet also defended the role of military courts, saying they are critical in enforcing discipline among soldiers.
MP Jonathan Odur proposed changing the name “Special Forces Command” to “Special Forces” to harmonize nomenclature with other service branches such as the Land Forces and Air Force. He also argued that the Bill’s inclusion of 1986 historical figures was outdated.
Both motions were put to vote and defeated.
A section of opposition MPs who walked out of the plenary session have resolved to take legal action against the government, accusing it of acting in contempt of a Supreme Court directive by pushing through the UPDF Amendment Bill without conducting adequate public consultations.