Museveni Heaps Praise on MPs for Passing UPDF Bill

President Yoweri Museveni has praised Parliament for passing the UPDF amendment bill, saying it will stop the misuse of military stores and criminality.

On Tuesday, the ruling National Resistance Movement used the power of its numbers to easily pass the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill (2025) despite the protests from opposition MPs.The Bill awaits assent by the President to become law.

The bill expands the jurisdiction of military courts to try civilians accused of crimes such as treason, aggravated robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

However, opposition MPs say that the bill violates Article 92 of the 1995 Constitution, which prohibits Parliament from passing laws that overturn or interfere with judicial decisions.

While addressing leaders from Greater Luwero Districts at Timnah Schools in Luwero town on Wednesday, Museveni praised the MPs, saying the civilian courts are incompetent to try soldiers and other armed criminals. 

Museveni said the magistrates who have failed to try petty cases like theft of pigs can’t be trusted to try cases related to the army.

Museveni said the issues of the army and its stores should be left to military courts. He added the bill will help to stop the people from misusing guns , attires and those who cross the line should be ready to face the army.

He insisted that those who use guns to kill will be tried in military courts. He also issued a stern warning to Ugandans to stop misusing military stores.

Museveni said he will issue a statement shortly on social media asking those who have been misusing military equipment to apologise before the law catches up with them.

Museveni is in the Greater Luwero district assessing the performance of the Parish Development Model. He will end the tour by addressing the public on Thursday in Nakasongola.

Earlier on, Museveni’s son, General Kainerugaba Muhoozi, also thanked the MPs for passing the bill.

“I want to congratulate the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney General, the Minister of Defence, the Chief Whip of NRM and all NRM MPs for passing the amended UPDF bill. Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment. God bless you all.” Muhoozi said on his X account.

However the opposition MPs insists that they will now challenge the passing of the bill in court saying it was passed in violation of supreme Court ruling , constitution and Parliament rules.