The Principal Judge, Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has commended the professionalism of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) during the swearing-in of new members of the General Court Martial and other military courts.
The ceremony, held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, saw Justice Abodo praise the conduct of the UPDF, noting that the event demonstrated Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
She urged the newly sworn-in members to execute their duties with fairness, impartiality, and strict fidelity to justice, emphasizing that their authority must always be exercised in accordance with the law.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka used the occasion to address critics who have questioned the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
He said the ceremony served as clear evidence that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains committed to respecting court decisions and upholding justice.
The UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Major General Jackson Bakasumba, described the Supreme Court’s January 31, 2025 ruling that annulled the operations of the General Court Martial as a blessing in disguise.
He explained that the decision provided the military with an opportunity to reorganize and strengthen its institutional structures and operations.
Bakasumba also expressed appreciation to the Attorney General and Parliament for their role in passing the UPDF Amendment Act, which enabled the restructuring process.
The swearing-in followed appointments made by President Yoweri Museveni on November 25, 2025, under the UPDF Act and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.
Among the key appointments was Brigadier General Richard Tukacungurwa, who was named Chairperson of the General Court Martial, replacing Brigadier Freeman Robert Mugabe.
The newly constituted court martial panel, under Brigadier Tukacungurwa’s leadership, includes Colonel Simon Tusha Wankandya, Colonel Asha Patra, Colonel Fredrick Kangwamu, Colonel Raphael Mugisha, Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Gambit Mohammedei, Major Samuel Moses Amodi, Major Emmanuel Arihaihi, Major Abubaker Nyombi, and Major Denis Chemtai.
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