UPDF Court Martial Constituted as Head and Members Are Sworn In

The Head and members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) General Court Martial, together with chairpersons of the Division and Unit Court Martials, have been formally sworn in at the Uganda Supreme Court Offices in Kampala.

The swearing-in completes the fully constituted structure of the General Court Martial, providing the army’s judicial system with a framework to handle matters of discipline within the forces and other related offences. The development follows the landmark Supreme Court ruling of January 31, 2025, which issued recommendations aimed at reforming Uganda’s military court system.

Among those sworn in are: ​Brig Gen Tukachungurwa Richard
(Head of the General Court Martial).

Members of the General Court Martial:

​Col Simon Wankandya
​Col Asha Patra
​Col Fredrick Kangwamu
​Lt Col Nasser Igambi Drago
​Maj Samuel Moses Amodoi
​Maj Emmanuel Arihaihi
​Maj Abubaker Nyombi
​Maj Denis Chemtai

Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, the Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, commended the President for his guidance 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 entrusts them with a sacred duty to exercise authority strictly in accordance with the law, guided by fairness, impartiality and fidelity to justice.

“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 underscored the complementary roles of the military and civilian institutions represented at the ceremony, noting that both are constitutionally mandated to ensure discipline, order and justice within the UPDF and the wider 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 added.

She reiterated President Museveni’s consistent message that the strength of a professional army lies not only in its ability to defend the nation, but also in its discipline, patriotism, respect for civilians, obedience to lawful authority and total 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 officers to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, respect the rights of all accused persons, both soldiers and civilians, and avoid any conduct that could create a perception of bias.

In his remarks, Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the ceremony demonstrated the 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, appealed to the newly sworn members of the Leadership Code Tribunal and General Court Martial 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.

The Chief of Joint Staff of the UPDF, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, observed that during the period when the Courts Martial were not operational following the Supreme Court judgment, UPDF leadership relied on standard operating procedures and non-judicial disciplinary mechanisms within the chain of command to maintain discipline.

He said these measures had remained effective, contributing to the UPDF’s standing 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.

Also present were Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security; Service Chiefs of Staff; Brig Moses Wandera of Joint Staff Legal Services; other senior UPDF officers; and staff of the Supreme Court.