President Museveni has voiced strong support for the recently passed UPDF Amendment Bill, 2025, which empowers military courts to try armed civilians accused of murder.
Speaking to journalists during his ongoing tour of Greater Luwero, where he is assessing the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government poverty eradication initiatives, Museveni commended Parliament for what he described as a critical intervention in national security.
“This amendment is a rescue for our country,” the President said. “Murderers using guns should not be shielded by civilian status. Parliament has closed a dangerous loophole that could have left our people vulnerable.”
Museveni congratulated the 11th Parliament for what he described as a critical move to protect national security and prevent institutional conflict.
“We thank Parliament for saving the country from a serious challenge,” President Museveni said. “Those who opposed the amendment wanted army personnel to be tried in civilian courts instead of the Court Martial. That’s wrong. If someone has killed or raped, why shouldn’t they be tried in the Court Martial?”
He warned that such a shift would create friction between the army and the judiciary, but praised Parliament for acting wisely to prevent such conflicts.
Museveni also called on the judiciary to focus on resolving the backlog of cases within its mandate and to refrain from interfering in military affairs.
“It is our responsibility to support the army in promoting the politics of unity,” he emphasized, “but we must do so without interfering in the internal operations of the military.”
The bill, passed on Tuesday amid protest from opposition Members of Parliament many of whom walked out during the vote has since sparked nationwide debate.
Supporters say it is a vital tool for combating gun violence and terrorism, while critics argue it risks undermining the principles of civilian judicial protection and the rule of law.
Museveni, however, dismissed criticism of the bill, accusing opponents of interfering in matters they do not fully understand.
“Those who opposed this amendment owe the nation an apology,” he stated. “Matters of the military should be left to those who are responsible for its operations.”
According to the new provisions, any civilian found using a firearm to commit murder will now be tried by the General Court Martial.
The president believes this shift will help deter armed crime and ensure accountability.
The UPDF Amendment Act , now awaiting the president’s assent, represents a significant change in Uganda’s approach to handling crimes involving firearms, particularly when committed by civilians.
