back to top
HomeBig StoryMinister Oboth Oboth Tables UPDF Amendment Bill To Reinstate Trial Of Civilians...

Minister Oboth Oboth Tables UPDF Amendment Bill To Reinstate Trial Of Civilians In Court Martial

Published on

- Advertisement -spot_img

Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth presented the UPDF Amendment Bill, 2025 before Parliament, aiming to reintroduce military court jurisdiction over civilians involved in specific military-related offenses. This move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision that had previously declared such trials unconstitutional.

The proposed law outlines limited scenarios where civilians could fall under military jurisdiction, including individuals unlawfully in possession of military-only equipment like AK-47 rifles, contractors working with the armed forces, and civilians operating alongside military units. Minister Oboth-Oboth emphasized that the bill seeks to balance respect for the court’s ruling with the need to confront new and evolving national security threats.

However, the bill has sparked significant controversy.

Critics are particularly concerned about the proposal to repeal Sections 203 to 206 of the current UPDF Act provisions that have traditionally served as safeguards for civilian rights within military proceedings. Human rights groups caution that removing these sections without clear alternatives could dilute civilian protections and diminish judicial oversight.

“This isn’t about complying with the Supreme Court’s ruling,” said Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda. “It’s a calculated move to reinstate military trials for civilians under a different pretense.”

Opponents warn that the bill could open the door for abuse, potentially targeting civilians accused of crimes such as illegal possession of weapons, terrorism, or even dissent against the government charges that, if politicized, could silence legitimate criticism.

Supporters of the bill argue it is a necessary step to reinforce the operational readiness of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and to ensure national security interests are protected. They contend that the amendments bring clarity to who can be tried in military courts, avoiding broader misinterpretation.

Nonetheless, human rights advocates and opposition legislators are mobilizing against the bill. They point to established international norms, including those of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which advocate for limiting military courts strictly to serving military personnel and offenses of a military nature.

As the bill moves through parliamentary scrutiny, it faces intense debate over the balance between state security and the protection of civil liberties in Uganda.

Related

A Global Gateway To Chinese Culture

By Yuan Zhong From the perspective of cultural communication, the Hello Chinese program has broken...

Big Size Recap: London Parties With Legendary Bebe Cool’s Break The Chains Album Was Massive

On August 12th, Bebe Cool held a successful listener’s party at Masq London, Restaurant...

City Businessman Hamis Kiggundu Launches Cleanup to Pave Way for Nakivubo Channel Redevelopment

Kampala, Uganda – City businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, has embarked on...

Nakivubo Channel Set for Major Redevelopment as Uganda Races Towards AFCON 2027

Kampala is moving to cover and modernize the infamous Nakivubo Channel, a drainage trench...

More from The Capital Times

Business Boom In Namugongo Ahead Of Martyrs Day

Business has picked up this morning at Namugongo Martyrs shrine according to traders. The...

Uganda Adopts Kiswahili As Official Language

Uganda has adopted Kiswahili as an official language, a top government official said on...

Minister Kasolo In Hot Soup Over Alleged Orungo Voter Attacks Accused Of Orchestrating Violence Fo Intimidate Opponents in NRM Primaries

A political storm is brewing in Orungo sub-county after shocking allegations emerged linking Uganda’s...