The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The document outlines the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Amendment Bill 2025, detailing proposed changes to military law and welfare. ​

Policy Principles

• • The Bill aims to amend the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Act Cap. ​ 330 to improve the structure and welfare of Defence Forces. ​

• • It seeks to establish a Health Care Service and Medical Board for military personnel. ​

• • The Bill addresses the management of veteran affairs and repeals the Uganda Veterans Assistance Board Act Cap. ​ 221.

Defects in Existing Law ​

• • The current Act, enacted in 2005, does not adequately address health care, veteran management, and pension issues.

• • Significant transformations in the Defence sector since 2005 necessitate these amendments. ​

• • The Bill aligns with the Supreme Court’s judgment in Constitutional Appeal No. ​ 2 of 2021.

Remedies Proposed in Bill

• • The Bill proposes to enhance welfare, including health care and disability compensation for military personnel. ​

• • It aims to decentralize pension management from the Ministry of Public Service to the Ministry of Defence.

• • The Bill seeks to restructure courts martial and establish a Military Courts Department. ​

Provisions of Bill

• • The Bill introduces new services, including the Special Force Command and Reserve Force. ​

• • It establishes a Joint Military Command and outlines the jurisdiction of courts martial. ​

• • The Bill prescribes membership qualifications for court martial chairpersons and details the appeals process. ​

Amendment Details

• • The Bill includes numerous amendments to existing sections of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Act. ​

• • Key amendments involve definitions, composition of forces, and the establishment of various committees and boards.

• • The Bill also addresses the management of arms and ammunition, which are exclusive to Defence Forces. ​

Health Care and Welfare

• • The Bill establishes entitlements to health care for active and retired military personnel. ​

• • It includes provisions for rehabilitation services for those with service-related disabilities. ​

• • The Medical Board will assess disabilities and recommend necessary welfare measures.

Military Courts and Legal Framework ​

• • The Bill restructures the military court system, establishing Unit, Division, and General Courts Martial. ​

• • It emphasizes the independence of courts martial and outlines the procedures for reporting offences.

• • The Bill provides for the establishment of a Military Courts Department to oversee military justice. ​

Service Medals and Awards ​

• • The Bill introduces a framework for conferring service medals and awards to military personnel. ​

• • It establishes a Defence Forces Service Medals Committee to advise on awards and maintain archives. ​

• • The Bill outlines the criteria for awarding various medals based on service and conduct.

Conclusion

• • The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Amendment Bill 2025 aims to modernize military law and improve the welfare of Defence Forces. ​

• • It addresses critical gaps in health care, veteran management, and military justice.

• • The proposed changes reflect the evolving needs of the Defence sector and align with constitutional mandates. ​

READ MORE ABOUT THE BILL: The-Uganda-Peoples-Defence-Forces-(Amendment)-Bill,-2025