By Spy Uganda
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Caucus has agreed to support proposed amendments to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, as presented by the Attorney General. Among the key changes is a provision allowing civilians accused of illegally possessing specific firearms to be tried before the Court Martial as a first instance, with the right to appeal their sentences in civilian courts.
The announcement was made by Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, while briefing the media on the outcomes of the Caucus meeting held on Friday afternoon at State House Entebbe.
The proposed changes come in response to the Supreme Court’s January 2025 ruling, which barred the trial of civilians before the General Court Martial. To align with this ruling, the UPDF Bill—recently withdrawn for review—will now include new provisions ensuring that civilians facing charges related to illegal firearm possession are tried by the Military Court Martial first but retain the right to appeal through civilian courts.
“That civilians who acquire specified firearms illegally be tried by the Military Court Martial in the first instance, with the right of appeal through the civilian courts,” Obua stated. He further emphasized that provisions will be made to ensure civilian courts can hear appeals from decisions of courts martial.
In addition to addressing civilian trials, the NRM Caucus also resolved to support a proposal requiring serving soldiers accused of indiscipline to first be tried before the Court Martial. However, like civilians, they will have the option to appeal their sentences in civilian courts.
The proposed amendments aim to balance military discipline and civilian judicial oversight while addressing legal gaps highlighted by the Supreme Court ruling. The government is expected to table the revised UPDF Bill before Parliament in the coming weeks for further debate and possible enactment.
