KAMPALA
The Democratic Party (DP) has joined other opposition parties in rejecting the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing concerns over provisions that would allow civilians to be tried in military courts.
Speaking to journalists at the DP headquarters in Rubaga Division, Kampala, party legal advisor Kenneth Nsubuga said the bill, although containing positive reforms such as the creation of a UPDF medical board and expansion of healthcare services, includes a “problematic” clause — Section 117(a) — which subjects civilians to military law.
“As Democratic Party, and having heard the numerous cries of Ugandans, we have problems with the amendment of Section 117, that is going to make civilians subject to military law,” Nsubuga said. “That means you bring them under the armpits of the General Court Martial.”
Nsubuga argued that the proposed provision contradicts a Supreme Court ruling that civilians cannot be tried by the General Court Martial. He urged ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs not to abuse their numerical strength to push through laws that he said are inconsistent with the Constitution.
He also criticized the government for pushing the bill hastily, stating that the Penal Code Act already sufficiently addresses the offenses listed in the proposed amendment.
“We feel there is no lacuna in the law this amendment is trying to cure,” he added.
DP called on its Members of Parliament to vote against the bill, particularly the section allowing the military trial of civilians.
Parliament is currently in a plenary session debating the UPDF Amendment Bill this afternoon. The bill, moved by Defence Minister and West Budama Central MP Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, seeks to retain the General Court Martial and permit the trial of civilians under military jurisdiction.
Committee Chairperson on Defence and Internal Affairs, Wilson Kajwengye, noted that while the committee reviewed the bill, civilian trials by military courts should only happen under “exceptional circumstances” and must guarantee a fair trial.
Earlier today, opposition legislators led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi walked out of plenary in protest over the bill’s processing speed, calling it rushed and lacking transparency. Ssenyonyi claimed that the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee fast-tracked the bill without proper scrutiny.
However, Committee Chairperson Stephen Bakka Mugabi and Speaker Anita Among defended the process, citing the House Rules of Procedure which allow bills to be processed within 45 days.
“…ensure all pending bills are processed and passed before the end of the session,” Speaker Among told chairpersons of the committees.
Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda raised further concerns about security in Parliament, alleging the presence of individuals believed to be Special Forces Command (SFC) personnel in civilian attire.
“I would like assurance, Madam Speaker, that you are not going to surrender us like last time to be beaten by the SFC,” Ssemujju said.
The UPDF Amendment Bill remains one of the most contested pieces of legislation in the current session, with growing opposition calling for its withdrawal or significant revision.
