The UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 is now under parliamentary scrutiny, with key committees starting stakeholder consultations just a day after it was tabled. At the heart of the bill is the restructuring of the General Court Martial, following its disbandment by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
Background of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025
The UPDF (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced to Parliament as an urgent legislative proposal intended to streamline military judicial processes in Uganda. The General Court Martial, which previously played a significant role in the military justice system, was disbanded by the Supreme Court, citing constitutional concerns.
This development has compelled Parliament to redefine the legal basis of military courts, prompting a 144-page Bill with over 87 clauses—an extensive and complex legal text that demands critical review.
Key Stakeholders and Urgency
Committees Involved
The Bill has been referred to two central committees:
- Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, chaired by Stephen Bakka Mugabi (Bukooli North, NRM)
- Defence Committee, chaired by Wilson Kajwengye (Nyabushozi County, NRM)
During the initial committee hearing, Mugabi stressed the limited timeframe for the review process, indicating the session might be prorogued by Friday.
“You’ll have up to Friday to conclude this Bill… from hearings to the second and third readings,” Mugabi noted.
Government Officials Present
The opening discussions featured high-profile figures including:
- Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, Minister for Defence
- Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Attorney General
Both emphasized the need to align military justice with the Constitution without undermining parliamentary procedure.
Constitutional Concerns and Legal Integrity
Ensuring Compliance with Supreme Court Ruling
MP Abdu Katuntu of Bugweri County reminded fellow legislators of their duty:
“It is within our mandate… to ensure that this Bill passes the constitutional test. Parliament cannot override the Supreme Court.”
The Supreme Court ruling invalidating the General Court Martial has raised important questions about jurisdiction, due process, and separation of powers, all of which must be reflected in the revised law.
Parliamentary Dissent and Process Criticism
Lawmakers Demand Due Process
Several MPs expressed concerns about the rushed nature of the process. MP Jonathan Odur (Erute South, UPC) argued that Parliament should have had internal discussions before hosting public hearings.
“This is a 144-page Bill with 87 clauses. We should have processed it internally first.”
MP Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East) and others echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that the legislative process must prioritize transparency and deliberation to retain public trust.
Suspicion of Prior Engagements
Some MPs hinted at the possibility of pre-arranged agreements outside Parliament, given the speed at which the process was unfolding. Odur warned that this could damage the integrity of public consultations.
“It would not be good for the public… it makes it look suspicious.”
Core Objectives of the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025
Redefining the Military Judiciary
The primary goal of the Bill is to reconstitute and legally validate military courts, addressing the loopholes exposed by the Supreme Court. It aims to:
- Define the jurisdiction of military courts
- Establish clear separation from civilian judicial bodies
- Ensure alignment with constitutional mandates
Safeguarding Human Rights in Military Justice
The Bill is expected to include provisions that ensure:
- Fair trial standards for soldiers
- Legal representation for military personnel
- Oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power
Next Steps and Legislative Outlook
Tight Deadline Ahead
Parliament has until the end of the Fourth Session to pass the Bill. With the House potentially prorogued by Friday, MPs must accelerate:
- Committee hearings
- Report writing
- Second and third readings
Despite the time constraints, Speaker Anita Among has insisted that due legislative process must be followed.
What to Expect
The outcome of the consultations will shape:
- The future of military justice in Uganda
- The balance between civilian and military legal systems
- Uganda’s compliance with constitutional and international legal standards
Related: Uganda Supreme Court Decisions
