UPDF Officers Trained On Military Conduct In Internal Operations

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, has concluded Military in Internal Operations Course Intake 04/26, aimed at strengthening professionalism, discipline, and lawful conduct among officers during internal security operations.

The course was conducted at the Legal Training Centre and brought together UPDF officers for training on international humanitarian law, operational discipline, protection of civilians and the legal frameworks governing military operations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Head of Counter-Intelligence at the Directorate of Counter-Intelligence and Security, Colonel Henry Buryomunda, commended the participants for their commitment and urged them to apply the knowledge gained to improve professionalism within the force.

“You should go back to your units and make a difference. Do not go back to the units to be a problem. Go and be a solution to so many things that we are challenged with,” Col Buryomunda said.

He applauded the ICRC for its continued partnership with the UPDF, describing the organisation as a “lifetime partner” whose contribution has supported the transformation of the UPDF into a professional force.

Col Buryomunda emphasised the importance of continuous learning, ideology and awareness among soldiers, noting that understanding the law and principles governing operations was critical in preventing misconduct.

“A soldier without ideology is a potential criminal,” he said, quoting former Burkina Faso leader Thomas Sankara.

Representing the ICRC, Mr. Mamadou Camara described the course as fruitful and important in preparing officers for the complex realities of internal operations.

“Internal operations are not an easy business. They are even more complicated than warfighting because you are dealing with your fellow compatriots,” Camara said.

He reminded participants that the use of force during internal operations must always remain lawful, proportionate and guided by restraint.

“Even war has limits, and internal operations also have limits,” he noted, urging officers to apply the principles of minimum use of force and escalation only where necessary.

Mr. Camara reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to continued cooperation with the UPDF through training, advisory support and engagement with units across the country.

The Commandant of the Legal Training Centre, Maj Lydia Katisi, said the knowledge acquired would strengthen operational effectiveness, professionalism and lawful conduct within the UPDF.

“Every operation is guided by discipline, legal mandates, ideology and respect for humanity,” she said.

She urged the officers to implement the lessons learned by exercising restraint, respecting human dignity and operating within the law while executing their duties.

“As the UPDF, we remain a people-centred force committed to protecting Uganda, preserving peace and safeguarding national stability,” Maj Katisi added.

Present were Senior and Junior Officers of the UPDF and partners for the ICRC.