President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law the controversial Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025, which authorizes military courts to try civilians.
The legislation, passed in May by Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) using their numerical majority, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
Parliament confirmed the President’s assent in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, sharing screenshots of the signed Act.
The law introduces sweeping changes to the military justice system, including the restructuring of health services for armed forces personnel and reforms in handling veterans’ affairs.
One of the most contentious provisions is Section 117A, which introduces Schedule B. This schedule lists military stores deemed exclusive to the Defence Forces, such as ceremonial shoes for officers and soldiers.
Section 83 adds Schedule 7A, classifying pistols and other weapons as restricted items under the control of the military.
The Act also establishes a Directorate of Military Prosecutions, intended to professionalize the military justice system. The Director must be a serving member of the Defence Forces, hold the rank of Colonel or higher, and meet the qualifications to be appointed a High Court Judge.
In an effort to standardize the appellate process, the law outlines a hierarchical structure for military court decisions, ranging from the Unit Court Martial to the Division Court Martial, then the General Court Martial, followed by the Court of Appeal, and finally, the Supreme Court.
Section 202C mandates that members of military courts operate independently and impartially, free from command influence.
To strengthen the legal capacity of the military judiciary, the law requires that the Chairperson of the Unit Court Martial possess a Bachelor of Laws degree and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice.
The amendment appears to be a direct response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Attorney General vs. Hon. Michael A. Kabaziguruka, which found the trial of civilians in military courts under the previous UPDF Act unconstitutional.
Opposition lawmakers have condemned the new law, vowing to challenge it in court. They argue that it undermines the Supreme Court’s authority and was passed without adequate public consultation.
Civil society organizations, many of which were involved in the earlier legal challenge, have echoed these concerns.
During a recent address to residents in the Greater Luwero District, President Museveni defended the law, commending MPs for their role in its passage.
He argued that it would help prevent the misuse of military equipment and enhance the fight against armed criminality.
“There was going to be a serious problem,” Museveni said. “Some people were saying that if a soldier commits crimes such as murder, theft, or rape, they should be taken to sub-county (civilian) courts instead of court martial.
Those who were involved have to repent. There was going to be a serious collision between the army, Parliament, and the courts of law, but they have saved us from embarrassment.”
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