The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has completed the reconstitution of its General Court Martial after the Head and members were formally sworn in at the Uganda Supreme Court offices in Kampala, strengthening the military justice system following recent legal reforms.
The ceremony marked the final step in operationalising the General Court Martial and the Division and Unit Court Martials, restoring a structured framework to handle matters of discipline within the UPDF and related offences. The development follows the Supreme Court ruling of January 31, 2025, which issued key recommendations to reform Uganda’s military court system.
Brig Gen Tukachungurwa Richard was sworn in as Head of the General Court Martial. Other members sworn in include Col Simon Wankandya, Col Asha Patra, Col Fredrick Kangwamu, Lt Col Nasser Igambi Drago, Maj Samuel Moses Amodoi, Maj Emmanuel Arihaihi, Maj Abubaker Nyombi and Maj Denis Chemtai.
Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, the Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, praised the President’s role in nurturing a professional and disciplined army.
“It is good to have a professional army because we know we are being protected by people who know what they are doing and are doing the right thing,” Justice Abodo said.
She reminded the newly sworn judicial and quasi-judicial officers that the Constitution places on them a solemn responsibility to exercise authority lawfully, fairly and impartially.
“Today’s ceremony is a reminder that every signature appended and every oath taken is a pledge to the people of Uganda that justice shall be administered without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” she said.
Justice Abodo noted that military and civilian institutions play complementary constitutional roles in ensuring discipline, order and justice, both within the UPDF and across the public service.
“A disciplined military is indispensable to the peace and security of our nation. However, the exercise of judicial power, wherever it is located, remains subject to constitutional standards,” she said.
She reiterated President Museveni’s long-held position that a strong army is defined not only by its combat capability, but also by discipline, patriotism, respect for civilians, obedience to lawful authority and subordination to the Constitution.
“A soldier who knows that justice will be administered fairly is more secure, more loyal and more committed to service. A court that commands respect within the military must itself operate in accordance with justice, transparency and integrity,” Justice Abodo said.
She urged the sworn officers to uphold constitutional supremacy, respect the rights of all accused persons, whether soldiers or civilians, and avoid actions that could create perceptions of bias.
Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the swearing-in demonstrated government’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for court decisions.
“Whoever had any doubt that government would not do what the Supreme Court ordered it to do has that doubt cleared,” Hon. Kiryowa said.
The Deputy Inspector of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, called on the new members of the General Court Martial and the Leadership Code Tribunal to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency.
“Your decisions will not only affect the lives of individuals but will also shape public trust in institutions. These two institutions will be pivotal in building that trust,” she said.
UPDF Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba said that during the period when the Courts Martial were not operational following the Supreme Court judgment, the UPDF relied on internal standard operating procedures and non-judicial disciplinary mechanisms to maintain order.
He said the measures proved effective and contributed to the UPDF’s reputation as one of the most disciplined forces in Africa.
The ceremony was attended by Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Ms Lucy Nakyobe, Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission Justice Douglas Singiza, Deputy Head of Public Service Lady Justice Comfort Hamya, permanent secretaries, commissioners and registrars.
Senior UPDF officials present included Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security; Service Chiefs of Staff; Brig Moses Wandera of Joint Staff Legal Services; other senior officers; and staff of the Supreme Court.
