NRM Caucus Backs Proposal to Try Civilians with Illegal Firearms in Court Martial

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has thrown its weight behind proposed amendments to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Act to try civilians accused of illegally possessing specific firearms before the Court Martial first.

Hamson Obua, Government Chief Whip in a statement he issued while announcing what transpired in the Caucus meeting held today, Friday 21, Feb 2025, at State House Entebbe, said they will, however, be given the prerogative to appeal their sentences before other courts.

The decision outlines the party’s support for trying both military personnel and certain civilians in military courts.

The Caucus discussed the principles that informed the UPDF Bill,  which was recently withdrawn to incorporate changes following the January 2025, Supreme Court ruling that halted the trial of civilians before the General Court Martial.

The amendments, presented by the Attorney General, propose that misconduct by serving military personnel be tried in the first instance by military Courts Martial, with the right of appeal through civilian courts.

More controversially, the proposals also suggest that civilians who illegally acquire “specified firearms” face trial in military courts initially, again with the option for civilian court appeals.

The document highlights the NRM Caucus’s endorsement of these principles, including a provision for appeals from Courts Martial decisions to civilian courts.

The NRM Caucus also received a budget prioritisation for the 2025/2026 financial year presented by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. However, debate on this matter was deferred to the next Caucus meeting.

The proposed amendments to the UPDF Act are expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.