The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has fully restored its military judicial structure, with Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo reminding newly sworn judges that justice within the armed forces must always be impartial, fair, and aligned with the Constitution.
Justice Abodo made the remarks as the Head and members of the UPDF General Court Martial were formally sworn in at the Supreme Court offices in Kampala, on 7th January 2026, marking the full reconstitution of the General Court Martial, as well as the Division and Unit Courts Martial.
The ceremony follows the Supreme Court’s breakthrough ruling of 31st January 2025, which called for reforms to strengthen the military justice system.
It was attended by senior government officials, judicial officers, and UPDF leadership, reflecting the constitutional partnership between civilian and military institutions in upholding discipline, order, and justice within the armed forces.
Among those sworn in was Brigadier General Tukachungurwa Richard as Head of the General Court Martial, alongside members including Colonels Simon Wankandya, Asha Patra, Frederick Kangwamu; Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Igambi Drago; and Majors Samuel Moses Amodoi, Emmanuel Arihaihi, Abubaker Nyombi, and Denis Chemtai.
Presiding on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Justice Abodo emphasized that discipline is essential to military effectiveness, but judicial power regardless of where it is exercised must always align with the Constitution.
“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,” Abodo said.
She reminded the newly sworn judicial and quasi-judicial officers that their authority derives not merely from rank, but from the law, and carries a constitutional obligation to act with fairness, impartiality, and fidelity to justice.
“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,” Justice Abodo stated.
The Principal Judge also thanked President Museveni for his guidance in building a professional and disciplined army, emphasizing that professionalism in the UPDF extends beyond battlefield capability to include respect for civilians, obedience to lawful authority, and full subordination to the Constitution.
“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,” Abodo noted.
“A credible military justice system enhances morale and loyalty within the ranks. Soldiers are more secure when they trust that justice will be administered fairly,” she added.
“Whoever had any doubt that government would not implement the Supreme Court’s orders has that doubt cleared,” he said.
The full reconstitution of the UPDF’s military courts highlights the government’s commitment to implementing Supreme Court reforms and ensuring that justice within the armed forces is conducted fairly, transparently, and in line with the Constitution.
