Military Courts to Try Civilians Again Under New UPDF Bill

Uganda’s Parliament passed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025 which was introduced by Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth with the aim to revising the UPDF Act of 2005.

One of the biggest changes in the new bill is the creation of new military units, including the Special Forces Command and the Reserve Force. The Bill also proposes setting up a Joint Military Command to improve coordination in the army. Pension management for soldiers will now be handled directly by the Ministry of Defence, rather than within the army itself.

The bill also includes new welfare measures such as better healthcare for soldiers, veterans, and their families. It promises improved disability compensation and introduces official service medals to honour soldiers.

However, the most controversial part of the bill is a clause allowing military courts to try civilians in rare cases. These include when civilians are found with illegal weapons or accused of helping soldiers commit serious crimes like treason or murder.

This provision follows a Supreme Court ruling in January 2025 that declared it unconstitutional to try civilians in military courts. That decision led to several cases, including one involving opposition veteran leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, being moved to civilian courts.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among urged MPs to fast-track the bill’s approval. It will now be sent to President Yoweri Museveni for his signature before it becomes law.

If signed, the new law will bring major changes to how the army operates and how justice is handled within the military. Supporters say it will strengthen the UPDF and improve services for soldiers. But critics warn it could weaken civilian freedoms and go against the Constitution.

The bill’s passage has reopened national debate about the balance between military power and civilian rights. Civil society groups and legal experts are calling for open public discussions to make sure the new reforms respect Uganda’s democratic values and legal system.