UNANIMOUS! NRM Caucus Backs UPDF Amendment Bill Ahead of Tuesday Vote

Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has thrown its full support behind the contentious Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025, paving the way for its anticipated passage in Parliament on Tuesday.

The decision was reached during a high-level caucus meeting held this evening at State House Entebbe, chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who also doubles as NRM NationalChairman. The Government Chief Whip, Denis Obua, confirmed the outcome during a press briefing shortly after the closed-door session.

“We have agreed to support the bill as presented by the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs. This is in fulfillment of the recent Supreme Court ruling,” Obua told reporters.

The UPDF Amendment Bill seeks to revise key provisions of the existing UPDF Act to align military judicial structures with constitutional requirements. Notably, the bill proposes to redefine terms such as “service offence,” “court martial,” and “reserve force.” It also calls for the restructuring and re-establishment of military courts in line with the Constitution, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from civil society and opposition politicians.

Sources at the meeting indicated that Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among requested heightened security presence in and around Parliament on Tuesday as the bill is brought to the floor for final consideration and voting. This request reportedly follows concerns about public reaction and potential protests over the bill’s perceived impact on civil liberties and military oversight.

While proponents argue that the amendments are necessary to clarify military legal frameworks and strengthen internal discipline, critics worry that the bill may expand the powers of the military courts in a manner that infringes on the rights of civilians, particularly regarding military involvement in civil matters.

The bill has sparked national debate in recent weeks, with legal experts, opposition figures, and human rights advocates calling for greater scrutiny and broader consultations before its enactment. Trial of civilians in the court martial has been a bone of contention.

Parliament is now set for a tense session on Tuesday, with security reportedly already being heightened around the precincts as the NRM majority prepares to push the bill through the legislative process.

This story is developing. UG Diplomat will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.