UPDF Passes Out 34 Brigade Legal Officers

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Legal Training College (LTC) at Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja, has passed out 34 personnel who completed the Brigade Legal Officers Course (BLOC), Intake 13 of 2026.

The Head of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General (Advocate) Richard Tukachungurwa who presided over the ceremony said the course was important in strengthening the competence, professionalism and preparedness of military legal officers, which he said are critical to the effectiveness of military legal services.

“A course of this nature is important because the effectiveness of military legal services depends greatly on the competence, professionalism and preparedness of the officers providing those services,” Brig Gen Tukachungurwa said.

He urged the officers to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during the four-week course into improved performance in their respective units and better legal support to commanders and the UPDF at large.

Brig Gen Tukachungurwa encouraged them to help commanders understand the legal environment in which they operate, identify lawful and practical options for achieving their objectives, and apply the law within the military context.

“Military discipline is fundamental to the effectiveness of any armed force and must be exercised within the framework of the law,” he said, adding that proper application of the law strengthens discipline, protects the rights of personnel and enhances confidence in military institutions.

The Acting Commandant of LTC, Major San Nabeeta Wako, said the participants commended the participants for their commitment and sacrifice during the four-week course and thanked the instructors for their contribution to shaping the class.

He observed that the law is constantly evolving through new legislation and judicial precedents, requiring military legal officers to continuously update their knowledge and skills.

The course coordinator, Maj Lambert Engorit, said the participants were drawn from different backgrounds, including advocates, lawyers and paralegals, who underwent rigorous training designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to advise commanders on the application of the law during military operations.

Senior and junior UPDF officers attended the ceremony.