Today, Parliament witnessed the first reading of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025, a proposed legislation that has sparked widespread debate and concern among lawmakers, human rights advocates, and legal experts.
Tabled by Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the bill aims to reform military administration but has raised alarm over provisions that could extend military court jurisdiction over civilians, potentially undermining constitutional protections.
The bill was introduced during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who referred it to the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee and the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for further scrutiny.
The first reading marks the initial step in a legislative process expected to ignite intense debate, particularly in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the trial of civilians in military courts.
Key Provisions and Concerns
According to sources, the UPDF Amendment Bill, 2025, seeks to streamline military structures and align them with evolving defense needs.
However, critics argue that its provisions, particularly those expanding the scope of military courts, pose significant risks to civilian rights.
Section 195 of the amended Act reportedly grants the General Court Martial “unlimited original jurisdiction to try any offence under this Act and under any other written law committed by a person subject to military law.”
The vague definition of who qualifies as a “person subject to military law” has raised fears that civilians, including those accused of terrorism, possessing arms, or criticizing the government, could be targeted.
The bill also proposes repealing sections 203–206 of the existing UPDF Act, which are believed to include protective provisions regulating military trials.
Human rights defenders warn that their removal, without clear replacements, could weaken judicial oversight and erode civilian protections.
“They are not seeking to address issues raised by the Supreme Court. They are trying to tactically restore military courts but claiming that the Supreme Court allowed them,” said Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda, highlighting concerns that the bill circumvents the court’s ruling.
Government’s Position and Opposition Response
The government, through Minister Oboth, has framed the bill as a necessary reform to enhance military efficiency and address emerging security challenges.
Supporters argue that the amendments will strengthen the UPDF’s operational framework while ensuring alignment with national defense priorities.
However, opposition lawmakers and human rights advocates have vowed to challenge the bill’s provisions, citing violations of both national and international human rights standards.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has repeatedly urged states to restrict military jurisdiction to military personnel and offenses, a principle critics say the bill undermines.
Regina Asinde, a commentator, warned in The Independent that, if passed without revision, the bill “risks turning military courts into tools of political suppression,” a sentiment echoed by many observers.
Public and Parliamentary Scrutiny
The tabling of the bill has drawn significant attention on social media and in public discourse.
Posts on X reflect a mix of concern and calls for transparency, with users like @pwatchug sharing links to the 150-page bill and urging citizens to engage with its contents.
“All you need to know about the bill is being broken down here,” wrote @Sambannz, pointing to analyses highlighting the bill’s implications.
Speaker Among’s decision to refer the bill to two parliamentary committees signals an opportunity for detailed review, with MPs expected to scrutinize its alignment with Uganda’s Constitution and international legal commitments.
Hon. Haruna Kyeyune, speaking to NBS Television, emphasized that “MPs themselves will now directly scrutinize it,” suggesting a robust debate in the coming weeks.
What’s Next?
The UPDF Amendment Bill, 2025, now enters a critical phase of committee review, where stakeholders, including civil society and legal experts, are likely to submit input.
The Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, alongside the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, will assess the bill’s provisions and recommend amendments before it returns to Parliament for its second reading.
Given the controversy surrounding its implications for civilian rights, the bill is expected to face significant pushback from opposition MPs and human rights groups.
As Uganda navigates this contentious legislative process, the nation’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law hangs in the balance.
The outcome of the UPDF Amendment Bill, 2025, could reshape the relationship between the military and civilians, with far-reaching implications for justice and governance in the country.