A motion to compel the Commander of the Defense Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to appear before the joint committee processing the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 has been defeated.
The motion, moved by Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, was voted down by the majority of committee members.
The debate centered on whether Gen Muhoozi's presence would enrich the bill. MPs Nambooze and Derick Nyeko of Makindye argued that summoning the CDF was necessary, given his role in implementing the bill.
"He is the implementer of the bill being processed; there is need to have him appear before the Committee," Nambooze emphasized.
However, other MPs opposed the request, suggesting that the committee should instead seek audience with the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Some MPs on the legal committee also advised that the Defense Committee should handle the matter of summoning the CDF, given its jurisdiction.
After a heated debate, MP Nambooze moved a motion to compel Gen Muhoozi's appearance. The majority of MPs voted against the motion, effectively blocking Gen Muhoozi's potential appearance before the committee.
The collapse of the motion highlights the complexities and differing opinions within the committee regarding the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025.
As the bill progresses, the committee's deliberations will likely continue to attract attention and scrutiny.