Parliament Approves Sweeping UPDF Reforms Amid Heated Debate

Uganda's Parliament has passed the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, introducing significant changes to the country's military justice system. The legislation, which now awaits presidential assent, has sparked intense discussion about its potential impact on civil-military relations and judicial processes.

The bill establishes a clear hierarchy within Uganda's military command structure, formalising the High Command Council as the supreme administrative body. This council will be chaired by the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief and includes key defence officials along with founding members of the National Resistance Army who maintain lifetime membership privileges.  

A particularly contentious aspect of the legislation expands the jurisdiction of military courts to try civilians for specific offences. These include illegal possession of military equipment, impersonation of security personnel, armed cattle rustling, and various national security-related crimes. The law creates a dual vetting system for military judges, requiring initial screening by the Judicial Service Commission followed by final approval from the High Command.  

The reforms introduce strict qualifications for court martial leadership positions. Unit-level courts must be chaired by officers holding at least the rank of Captain, while Division Courts require Lieutenant Colonels. The General Court Martial will now be presided over by Brigadier Generals or officers of equivalent standing, all of whom must possess legal credentials comparable to High Court judges.  

Service terms for military judges have been standardised at five-year renewable periods, with a mandatory retirement after a decade of service. The legislation offers retirement incentives, including a 30% pension enhancement for officers completing ten years on the bench.  

While government officials argue these changes will modernise Uganda's military justice system and improve discipline within the armed forces, critics have raised several concerns. The lifetime participation of NRA veterans in military governance structures has drawn particular scrutiny, along with provisions that could potentially bring civilians before military tribunals for non-military offences. Some legal experts question whether the new appointment processes sufficiently protect judicial independence.  

The bill's passage follows a January 2024 Constitutional Court ruling that struck down similar provisions, setting the stage for potential new legal challenges. Civil society organisations are reportedly preparing to contest several aspects of the legislation, particularly those affecting civilian rights and due process protections.  

Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth has defended the reforms as necessary for maintaining national security and streamlining justice for security-related crimes. The legislation now moves to President Museveni's desk, where approval is widely expected in the coming days.  

As Uganda prepares to implement these sweeping changes, observers will be watching closely to assess their practical effects on military discipline, civilian rights, and the broader relationship between Uganda's armed forces and civil society. The reforms represent one of the most significant overhauls of Uganda's military justice system in recent years, with implications that may reverberate through the country's legal and political landscape for years to come.