The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has resolved to withdraw the UPDF Amendment Bill currently before Parliament, following a Supreme Court ruling on the setup of court martials.
During a meeting held at State House, Entebbe, on Friday, February 7, 2025, the caucus, chaired by Government Chief Whip Obua Denis Hamson, reaffirmed its commitment to the leadership and transformation agenda of the NRM government.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on court martials was a key issue of discussion. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairperson, addressed the caucus on the matter, guiding them on the way forward.
In response, the caucus passed three key resolutions:
- The UPDF Amendment Bill currently before Parliament will be withdrawn.
- The Attorney General will be given time to draft new proposals for the amendment bill, in line with the Supreme Court ruling. An extraordinary caucus meeting will be convened to discuss these proposals.
- The extraordinary caucus meeting will also deliberate on the National Budget priorities for the 2025/26 financial year.
This decision marks a significant shift in Uganda’s legislative landscape, as the Supreme Court ruling has implications for military justice and the broader governance framework. The NRM Caucus’s resolutions indicate a move towards aligning military legal structures with constitutional requirements.
Observers expect further debate on the UPDF Amendment Bill’s revised proposals in the coming weeks, as the government seeks to balance legal compliance with national security interests.
