Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa has officially taken charge as Chairperson of the General Court Martial following a high-profile swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court in Kampala. Presiding over the event, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo could not hide her pride as military officers lined up to take their oaths. “I was beaming with pride as […]
Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa has officially taken charge as Chairperson of the General Court Martial following a high-profile swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
Presiding over the event, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo could not hide her pride as military officers lined up to take their oaths.
“I was beaming with pride as the qualifications of the men and women in uniform were being read. We really have a professional army,” Justice Abodo said.
She told the newly sworn-in members that their power must only be exercised within the law and guided by fairness and impartiality, warning that every oath taken is a promise to the people of Uganda.
Justice Abodo reminded the officers that a disciplined military is essential for peace and security, but stressed that judicial authority, even within the army, remains subject to the Constitution.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the ceremony silenced critics who questioned the government’s commitment to the rule of law following the Supreme Court’s decision to halt court martial operations last year.
“If there was any doubt that we respect court rulings, that doubt has now been cleared,” Kiwanuka said.
UPDF Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Jackson Bakasumba described the January 31, 2025 Supreme Court ruling as a “blessing in disguise.”
He said the force successfully maintained discipline for a year without courts martial by relying on standing operating procedures and commanders’ authority.
“We did not experience a breakdown in discipline,” Bakasumba said,
He further appreciated Parliament, the Attorney General and President Museveni for enabling the reorganisation through the UPDF Amendment Act.
The ceremony marks the formal return of the General Court Martial after a year-long restructuring process.
