Report on the Joint Committee on Defence & Internal Affairs & Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025.

The document discusses the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Amendment Bill 2025, addressing military justice, healthcare, and veteran affairs. ​

Introduction

• • The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced on May 13, 2024, for parliamentary scrutiny. ​

• • The Joint Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs reviewed the bill with various stakeholders. ​

Policy Principles of the Bill ​

• • The bill aims to streamline the composition of Defence Forces and establish healthcare services for members. ​

• • It proposes restructuring military courts and defining service offences under military law. ​

Defects in the Existing Law

• • The current Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Act, enacted in 2005, does not address emerging threats and opportunities.

• • The bill seeks to align the Act with recent Supreme Court decisions and modernize provisions related to healthcare and pensions.

Object of the Bill

• • The bill aims to amend the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Act to improve organizational structure and healthcare services. ​

• • It also seeks to establish a Military Courts Department and define the jurisdiction of military courts. ​

Methodology

• • The Committee consulted various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence and the Attorney General.

• • A document review was conducted, referencing the Constitution and existing laws.

Salient Observations on Bill

• • Concerns were raised about the trial of civilians under military law and the independence of military courts. ​

• • The restructuring of military courts aims to align with constitutional provisions but raises issues of oversight and accountability. ​

Military Justice Legal Framework of Courts Martial

• • The bill proposes amendments to ensure fair trials and judicial independence in military courts. ​

• • It includes provisions for the appointment and tenure of presiding officers in military courts. ​

Structural Re-organization of Defence Forces

• • The bill proposes creating new services within the UPDF to enhance operational capacity and responsiveness. ​

• • It aims to improve coordination and policy formulation within the military structure. ​

Veteran Affairs Pension Reforms

• • The bill transfers pension management to the Ministry of Defence to enhance service delivery for veterans. ​

• • It establishes a Pensions Appeals Board to address grievances related to pension matters. ​

Welfare Health Services

• • The bill proposes a dedicated healthcare service for Defence Forces personnel, including medical care and rehabilitation services. ​

• • It aims to ensure timely and specialized healthcare for military personnel and their dependents. ​

Monopoly Security Classification

• • The bill introduces measures to strengthen security classification of military assets, ensuring unauthorized access is prevented. ​

• • It raises concerns about civilian implications of military uniform classifications. ​

Conclusion

• • The Committee recommends the bill be considered for reading, subject to proposed amendments. ​

• • The report includes a list of proposed amendments to enhance clarity and compliance with constitutional provisions.

FULL REPORT, DOWNLOAD HERE: DIA & LPA3-25-Joint Report on the Uganda People's Defence Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2025