President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded the Ugandan Parliament for passing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, describing it as a major step toward preserving military discipline and safeguarding national security.
While opening the fifth session of the 11th Parliament on Thursday at Kololo Independence Grounds, President Museveni commended lawmakers and Speaker Anita Among for their support in maintaining military justice within the UPDF’s established structures.
“I want to congratulate Parliament. I want to congratulate the Speaker for saving us that big, big problem because there is no way UPDF soldiers can go to the magistrates courts once they have made mistakes in the barracks initially. It’s not possible. I don’t think it happens in other armies,” Mr Museveni, 80, said.
The President underscored the importance of a distinct military justice system, noting that several laws passed during the fourth session of the 11th Parliament had significantly contributed to peace and order in the country.
He singled out the UPDF Bill as a crucial instrument in reinforcing the internal discipline of Uganda’s armed forces.
Passed in April 2025 after intense debate, the UPDF Amendment Bill strengthens the authority of military courts and limits the involvement of civilian courts in handling offenses committed by army personnel in the course of their duties.
The legislation affirms the military’s capacity to deal with its own disciplinary issues, a move the government believes is vital to operational effectiveness and national security.
President Museveni’s remarks reflect a long-standing position of his government that military discipline must remain under the purview of the army’s justice mechanisms to ensure order and loyalty within the force.
The passage of the bill comes amid broader discussions on the autonomy of military institutions and the balance between civil oversight and operational independence.
