President Museveni Applauds Parliament for Passing Controversial UPDF Amendment Bill

Luweero, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Parliament for passing the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, which empowers military courts to try armed civilians involved in murder cases. Speaking during a meeting with Greater Luwero leaders at Timnah Nursery and Primary School in Mabaale Village, the President emphasized that the legislation was crucial in preventing impunity and maintaining national security.  

 
President Museveni argued that the amendment closes a legal loophole that previously allowed armed civilians and rogue soldiers to evade justice.  

He further advised critics to "leave army matters to the rightful authorities" and demanded that opponents of the bill apologize for what he termed a "grave mistake" that could have destabilized the nation.  

 
The President clarified that civilians who use firearms to commit murder effectively "voluntarily submit themselves to martial law." He stressed that Uganda’s security framework must remain robust against armed criminality, particularly in regions still recovering from past insurgencies.  

 
While the primary agenda of the gathering was to assess the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Greater Luwero, security concerns dominated discussions. The President reiterated that economic progress hinges on stability, justifying the need for stricter legal measures against armed violence.  

 
The bill has faced criticism from human rights groups and opposition MPs, who argue it could lead to military overreach and undermine civilian judicial processes. However, the government maintains that the law targets only those who illegally bear arms to commit capital offenses.  

Security analysts suggest this amendment could significantly alter Uganda’s justice system, particularly in handling cases of armed robberies, rebel activities, and extrajudicial killings.  

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