By Samuel Mwesigwa

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to critics of the newly passed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025, which allows armed civilian murder suspects to be tried in military courts. The bill has sparked intense debate, with opposition MPs, civil society, and legal experts arguing it undermines civilian judiciary independence and violates constitutional rights.

The bill was passed despite widespread concern, with Museveni commending MPs who supported it, claiming it saves the country from “shielding armed civilians and soldiers who commit murder.” Critics, however, warn of a dangerous precedent, enabling military encroachment on civil liberties.Museveni dismissed concerns, urging critics to “leave issues of the army to the rightful authorities” and apologize for their “grave mistake.” He argued that civilians using firearms to commit murder have “voluntarily enrolled to martial law” and should face military trial.

Opposition MPs walked out during the voting process, branding the move a step toward justice militarization and dissent suppression. The bill’s passage has reignited scrutiny over human rights practices under Museveni’s government.

The bill awaits implementation, and national discourse on state security vs civil rights continues. The President’s initiative, Parish Development Model (PDM), aims to empower grassroots communities and transition them to market-based economies.