President Yoweri Museveni has signed the controversial Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025, into law, granting military courts the powers to try civilians, a decision critics argue defies a Supreme Court ruling delivered on January 31, 2025.
In May of this year, Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) passed the UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025, leveraging their majority to push it through.
The new law allowing civilians to be tried in military courts has faced widespread criticism.
On Monday June 16, 2025, Parliament announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that the President had signed the bill into law, sharing screenshots of the assented Act.
The legislation brings significant changes to the military justice system, restructuring health services for armed forces personnel and streamlining veterans’ affairs.
Section 117A of the Act establishes Schedule B, outlining military stores exclusively for the Defence Forces, including ceremonial shoes for officers and soldiers.
Section 83 introduces Schedule 7A, categorizing pistols and other weapons as restricted items solely under the Defence Forces’ control.
The Act also establishes a Directorate of Military Prosecutions to professionalize the prosecution process.
The Director must be a serving member of the Defence Forces, not below the rank of Colonel, and qualified to be appointed as a High Court Judge.
The law outlines a clear appellate structure for military court decisions, moving from the Unit Court Martial to the Division Court Martial, then to the General Court Martial, followed by the Court of Appeal, and ultimately, the Supreme Court.
As per Section 202C, members of courts martial must be independent and impartial in their judicial functions and not subject to command.
The Chairperson of the Unit Court Martial is required to hold a Bachelor of Laws degree and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice.
The law is widely viewed as a response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Attorney General vs. Hon. Michael A. Kabaziguruka, a constitutional appeal declaring the trial of civilians in military courts under the previous UPDF Act as unconstitutional.
Opposition MPs have vowed to challenge the new law in court, accusing the government of disregarding the Supreme Court’s directive and failing to conduct adequate public consultations.
Civil society groups have echoed similar sentiments, having played a role in the efforts leading to the court’s ruling against trying civilians in military courts.
President Museveni, speaking to residents from the Greater Luwero District, commended MPs for passing the law, arguing that it would help prevent the misuse of military equipment and combat armed criminality more effectively.
Museveni stated, “There could have been a serious problem. Some people suggested that soldiers accused of crimes like murder, theft, or rape should be tried in sub-county (civilian) courts instead of court martial. Those involved must repent. There could have been a serious clash between the army, Parliament, and the courts, but they have prevented us from embarrassment.”
URN
For Advertisement and News call or send SMS to 0787551001 or WhatsApp +256-787-289-992/+256-775-907-140 or email: eetoilnewsdesk@gmail.com/vokradio22@gmail.com
