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On Tuesday, May 13, Parliament received the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes allowing military courts to try civilians in specific cases.
Defence Minister Jacob Oboth tabled the Bill for its First Reading, and it was sent to the joint Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs for review.
Speaker Anita Among, who chaired the session, urged the committees to finalise the Bill before the fourth session ends. The chairperson of the legal committee will lead the process.
The Bill aims to restructure military courts under Article 129(1)(d) of the Constitution, clarify their powers, and outline appeal processes. It permits civilians to face military law in “exceptional circumstances” when their alleged offences support or involve military personnel.
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It proposes a Military Courts Department to oversee military justice and a disciplinary unit for court personnel.
The Bill aligns the defence forces with new government policies, establishes the Special Force Command and Reserve Force, and transfers pension management to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
The Bill enhances welfare and healthcare for officers, introducing a Health Care Service and Medical Board. It addresses disability compensation, including support for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It sets qualifications for military court officers, repeals the Uganda Veterans Assistance Board Act, and restricts arms and classified stores to the defence forces.
The Bill’s Memorandum explains it aligns with evolving government policies, recent court rulings, such as the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney General Vs Michael Kabaziguruka, and military administrative changes.