The public has been urged to pitch camp at Parliament during the scrutiny of the UPDF Amendment Bill, rather than waiting for legislators to vote on the matter.

The call comes as Parliament prepares to receive the UPDF Amendment Bill from the government tomorrow, along with the Certificate of Financial Implication, as it is expected to undergo the first reading before being forwarded to the relevant parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.

The highly controversial bill seeks, among other provisions, to grant the court martial authority to try civilians, an action that directly contradicts a recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified all civilian trials in military courts.

Speaking on the matter, Erute South MP Jonathan Odur emphasized that once the bill is assigned to a committee, the public should actively engage by presenting their views during the public hearing phase.

MP Odur acknowledged that while the bill contains a few contentious clauses, it equally includes positive proposals, particularly those aimed at enhancing the welfare of soldiers, especially veterans and war victims.

He urged both MPs and the public to consider the bill in its entirety.

He further appealed to the presiding officers of the House to remain neutral during deliberations on the bill.

Additionally, MP Odur proposed that during the final vote in Parliament, the rule of collective voting be suspended to allow for individual voting, enabling the public to clearly see which legislators support or oppose the bill.

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