The ruling National Resistance Movement party lawmakers must head to the State House, Entebbe, on Friday for a special meeting. Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua announced the noon gathering on Monday but kept the agenda secret. MPs need to adjust their weekly plans accordingly, and a formal notice is coming soon.
This meeting occurs as Parliament wrestles with the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill. The cabinet meets today to finalize changes that might send civilians back to military courts. Justice Minister Norbert Mao recently told Parliament about the government's plans to amend the UPDF Act following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
The court declared that trying civilians in military courts breaks constitutional rules. The new bill replaces an earlier 2024 version withdrawn after the Supreme Court's guidance in Attorney General vs Hon Michael Kabaziguruka. This case established that military trials for civilians violate Article 28's right to fair hearings.
Military courts were created for armed forces members only. However, many civilians faced these courts when accused of possessing military items like guns or bullets. Critics say these trials lack independence since military officers run them. The reforms show whether the government will respect judicial decisions about civilian rights.
This meeting occurs as Parliament wrestles with the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill. The cabinet meets today to finalize changes that might send civilians back to military courts. Justice Minister Norbert Mao recently told Parliament about the government's plans to amend the UPDF Act following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
The court declared that trying civilians in military courts breaks constitutional rules. The new bill replaces an earlier 2024 version withdrawn after the Supreme Court's guidance in Attorney General vs Hon Michael Kabaziguruka. This case established that military trials for civilians violate Article 28's right to fair hearings.
Military courts were created for armed forces members only. However, many civilians faced these courts when accused of possessing military items like guns or bullets. Critics say these trials lack independence since military officers run them. The reforms show whether the government will respect judicial decisions about civilian rights.
