President Yoweri Museveni has strongly defended the recently passed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025, commending Parliament for what he called a patriotic decision that will strengthen national security. Speaking to leaders from greater Luweero at Timnah Nursery and Primary School in Mabaale Village, the President argued the new law closes dangerous loopholes in Uganda’s justice system.

The controversial legislation expands military court jurisdiction to try civilians who commit murder using firearms. Museveni described this as a necessary measure to combat armed violence. “Those who supported this amendment have acted patriotically,” he told the gathering. “They have prevented a situation where armed civilians and rogue soldiers would continue to murder people without being held to account.” His remarks came amid growing debate about the military’s role in civilian justice.

The President saved his harshest criticism for opponents of the bill, demanding they apologize to the nation. “Those who opposed this law should apologize to the country,” Museveni stated firmly. “You were leading us into chaos by attempting to shield criminals who misuse firearms.” He framed the legislation as a matter of national survival rather than politics, urging critics to “leave army matters to those who understand them.”

At the heart of the new law is the principle that firearm-related crimes fall under military jurisdiction. “A gun is not a walking stick,” Museveni emphasized. “When someone uses it to kill, they have stepped into the realm of military law. They must answer to the General Court Martial.” This position has drawn mixed reactions across Uganda’s legal and political circles.

The bill’s passage follows months of heated debate in Parliament. While government supporters argue it will deter gun violence, human rights groups and opposition lawmakers warn it could undermine civilian courts and due process protections. Museveni dismissed these concerns during his Luweero address, portraying the law as essential for public safety.

Luweero holds special significance for Museveni’s argument. As the birthplace of the National Resistance Movement’s liberation struggle, the region provided a symbolic backdrop for the President to connect the new law to historical security efforts. “Our struggle was about securing Uganda,” he reminded the audience. “That work continues. We cannot allow armed killers to hide behind civilian courts that lack the capacity to deter them.”

The amended UPDF Act now awaits presidential assent to become law. If signed, it will mark a significant shift in Uganda’s legal framework by formally extending military court authority over civilians in firearm-related capital offenses. Legal experts note this could create parallel justice systems for similar crimes depending on the weapon used.

Supporters of the legislation argue that military courts can handle sensitive security matters more efficiently than civilian courts burdened by case backlogs. They point to incidents where armed criminals allegedly exploited legal technicalities in civilian systems. Museveni’s comments reflected this view, suggesting specialized military justice provides stronger deterrence against gun violence.

However, critics maintain the law risks eroding constitutional protections. They cite concerns about military courts’ independence and the potential for abuse against political opponents. Some legal analysts warn the broad wording could allow expansive interpretation of what constitutes firearm-related offenses.

The President’s demand for apologies from bill opponents signals the government’s firm stance on the issue. His remarks in Luweero suggest the administration views the legislation as non-negotiable national security policy rather than a subject for further debate. This position may intensify political tensions as Uganda approaches future elections.

As the bill moves toward becoming law, attention turns to its implementation. Key questions remain about how military and civilian jurisdictions will coordinate, what safeguards will protect against abuse, and how the changes will affect Uganda’s justice system long-term. The government faces the challenge of demonstrating the law’s effectiveness in reducing gun crime while addressing concerns about due process.

For now, Museveni’s strong endorsement has solidified the legislation as a cornerstone of his security agenda. His Luweero speech made clear that the administration sees expanded military court jurisdiction not as an exception, but as an essential tool for maintaining order in what he described as an increasingly dangerous security environment.

The coming months will reveal whether the new approach achieves its stated goals of deterring armed violence or sparks new legal and political challenges. As Uganda navigates this significant change to its justice system, the debate over balancing security needs with civil liberties seems certain to continue.