Parliament is expected to pass the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025, during tomorrow’s plenary sitting, following the conclusion of a joint committee report by lawmakers on defence and internal affairs.

The two committees, chaired by Bukooli North MP Stephen Bakka Mugabi and his deputy, Nyabushozi County MP Wilson Kajwengye — both of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) — finalized their deliberations last Friday during a retreat at Maya Resort Hotel in Wakiso District.

The resulting report, due to be presented tomorrow, will guide Parliament’s debate and likely passage of the Bill.

The UPDF Amendment Bill was tabled in response to a 2021 Supreme Court ruling in Michael Kabaziguruka v. Attorney General, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.

The new legislation aims to reform the military justice system and streamline the army’s command structure, addressing gaps identified by the court.

According to Mugabi, 76 clauses in the Bill focus on improving soldier welfare, while only four clauses have sparked significant debate — particularly Section 117A, which allows for the trial of civilians in military courts under “exceptional circumstances.”

These include cases where civilians act in concert with soldiers to commit serious crimes such as murder, treason, or possession of classified military equipment.