NRM MPs Summoned to State House Over UPDF Amendment Bill
Members of Parliament from Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have been summoned for a special caucus meeting at State House, Entebbe on Friday, May 2, 2025.
The announcement was made by Denis Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip and Chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. Although the agenda has not been officially released, the meeting is expected to focus on the highly debated UPDF Amendment Bill currently before Parliament.
Focus on the UPDF Amendment Bill
The meeting comes as Cabinet finalizes its position on proposed amendments to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, aiming to realign military court practices with a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao had earlier told Parliament that the amendments seek to address the Supreme Court’s concerns, specifically that trying civilians in military courts violates Article 28 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees a fair hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.
The proposed UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 replaces an earlier 2024 draft that was withdrawn for revisions. If approved, the reforms will define under what exceptional circumstances civilians could be subject to military law, how courts-martial will be structured, and ensure appeals from military courts can proceed through civilian courts.
Background: Military Courts and Civilian Trials
Uganda’s practice of trying civilians in military courts has long been controversial. Originally established to discipline soldiers, military courts have over time tried civilians, especially in cases involving alleged possession of firearms or military equipment.
Critics argue that military courts, being part of the executive branch, lack the independence needed to fairly try civilians. The Supreme Court ruling in Attorney General vs. Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka reaffirmed this concern, leading to the current push for legal reforms.
The upcoming NRM caucus meeting is seen as a critical step in consolidating party support around the constitutional changes and ensuring Parliament passes the amendments swiftly.
The government’s handling of the UPDF Amendment Bill is viewed as a significant test of its commitment to upholding judicial rulings and protecting civil liberties in Uganda.