UPDF Mountain Infantry Division Trains Troops In Human Rights, Law Of War

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Mountain Infantry Division has commenced a three-day workshop on human rights and the law of armed conflict in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The workshop brought together commanders and personnel to strengthen their understanding and application of human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during military operations.

Representing the Division Commander, the Division Administration Officer, Colonel Grant Mugabi Mugara, said the training would equip personnel with knowledge that can guide their conduct during military operations and urged participants to apply what they learn in their respective duties and share the knowledge with colleagues who were unable to attend.

He highlighted key principles of the law of armed conflict, including distinction, proportionality, military necessity and humanity, as essential considerations in the conduct of military operations.

In his remarks, the ICRC Armed Forces and Security Delegate, Rtd Col Mamadou Camara, described the training as another milestone in the long-standing cooperation between the UPDF and the ICRC.

He said the cooperation between the two institutions was founded on mutual understanding and a shared commitment to ensuring that humanity prevails in military and security operations.

He said the training was designed to present IHL in a practical and concrete manner, particularly the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality, so they can be integrated into decision-making and tactical operations.

The Acting Head of the UPDF Human Rights Department, Lt Rodney Bamusede, said the training was intended to refresh personnel’s knowledge of human rights and strengthen their understanding of their responsibilities in upholding them.

Lt Bamusede encouraged participants to familiarise themselves with the Constitution of Uganda and the UPDF Act, particularly provisions relating to human rights and the conduct of military operations.

Present representatives from the ICRC, Senior and Junior officers from the Mountain Division.