
June 30, 2025Focus on Parliament
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




