Parliament has passed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing major reforms that will allow civilians to be tried by military courts under specific conditions.
The legislation, passed during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, marks a significant overhaul of Uganda’s military justice system. The reforms establish a Directorate of Military Prosecutions, restructure military health services, streamline veterans’ affairs, and define a clear appellate process for courts martial—ending at the Supreme Court.
The Bill seeks to operationalize the trial of civilians for military-related offences such as illegal possession of arms, impersonating military personnel, and colluding with soldiers in the commission of crimes.
“This law addresses civilians who acquire arms or equipment used for violence, those who masquerade as militants, and those who commit offences in collaboration with military personnel,” said the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth. “I want to dispel fears that this law targets all Ugandans.”
Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, Chairperson of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, tabled the majority report supporting the Bill but insisted civilian trials in military courts must remain exceptional.
“The committee has 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,” Kajwengye said.
He cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Attorney General vs. Hon. Michael A. Kabaziguruka, which found the previous UPDF Act unconstitutional in trying civilians. He stressed the need to restructure military courts to uphold transparency and independence.
“The committee contends that military courts must be governed by the judicial oath and legal standards,” Kajwengye said. He proposed that military judges be appointed by the Commander-in-Chief on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, drawn from a list provided by the High Command.
The committee also recommended that appeals from the General Court Martial go to the Court of Appeal and proposed tighter regulation on military-style attire without UPDF insignia.
Despite a walk-out by several Opposition MPs led by Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, a vocal minority remained to oppose the Bill. Hon. Moses Okot (FDC, Kioga County) presented a minority report, describing the Bill as unconstitutional.
“Clause 30 proposes the introduction of a new section 117A in the UPDF Act… a re-enactment of Section 117, which was struck down by the Supreme Court,” Okot argued. “Such an action amounts to contempt of court, which is criminal.”
Okot warned that extending military court jurisdiction to offences like murder, aggravated robbery, and treason could undermine civilian justice and violate constitutional rights. “Military courts are internal disciplinary bodies, not substitutes for ordinary criminal courts,” he said.
Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC, Erute County South) echoed similar concerns. “If Parliament passes this Bill, the day will be remembered as the birth of military dictatorship,” he warned.
Other MPs supported the reforms. Hon. Patrick Isiagi (NRM, Kachumbala County) said civilians who handle military weapons should be held accountable under military law.
Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, defended the broader intent of the Bill. “The Court Martial has enabled our people to return home and to their farms. To say it has failed in Karamoja is unrealistic,” he said.
Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. Kahinda Otafiire, also addressed concerns about military attire regulation raised by Hon. Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central), who opposed the clause on civilian trials.
Despite lengthy debate and fierce objections, the House passed the Bill with amendments, paving the way for its enactment pending presidential assent.
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