The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has taken a major step in strengthening military justice after the Head and members of the General Court Martial, alongside chairpersons of Division and Unit Court Martials, were officially sworn in at the Supreme Court Offices in Kampala.
The ceremony marks the full constitution of the General Court Martial, giving the UPDF a complete and functional judicial framework to handle discipline within the forces and related offences.
This development follows the landmark Supreme Court ruling of January 31, 2025, which issued key recommendations aimed at reforming Uganda’s military court system.
Brig Gen Tukachungurwa Richard was sworn in as the 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 President Yoweri Museveni, the Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, praised the President for his leadership in building 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 upon them a solemn responsibility to exercise authority strictly in line with the law, guided by fairness, impartiality and fidelity to justice.
“Every oath taken today is a pledge to the people of Uganda that justice will be administered without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” she noted.
Justice Abodo emphasized that while the military plays a critical role in national security, all judicial power wherever it is exercised must meet constitutional standards. She stressed that discipline within the UPDF must go hand in hand with respect for justice, transparency and integrity.
She further reiterated President Museveni’s long-standing message that the strength of a professional army is not only measured by its ability to defend the country, but also by its discipline, patriotism, respect for civilians, obedience to lawful authority and total submission to the Constitution.
“A soldier who trusts that justice will be administered fairly is more secure, more loyal and more committed to service,” Justice Abodo said, urging the officers to uphold constitutional supremacy, respect the rights of all accused persons and avoid any conduct that could suggest bias.
Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka described the swearing-in as clear proof of government’s respect for the rule of law and court decisions.
“Anyone who doubted that government would implement the Supreme Court’s directives should now have that doubt cleared,” the Attorney General said.
The swearing-in signals a new chapter for military justice in Uganda, as the UPDF moves to align discipline and accountability with constitutional and judicial reforms.
