KAMPALA.
The newly sworn-in Chairperson of the General Court Martial, Brig Gen Richard Tukachungura, has pledged a new era of professionalism in military justice.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath alongside his team in Kampala on Wednesday , Brig. Gen. Tukachungura noted that this is the first time the General Court Martial has been constituted entirely of trained legal professionals—a move he described as a major shift in how military justice will be administered.
“This court will not operate in the usual way. With my 25 years of experience in the legal profession, and with a team of qualified lawyers, we are determined to apply the law professionally and diligently in all matters brought before us,” Tukachungura said.
Members of the General Court Martial were sworn in amid assurances that their work will reflect higher standards of legal scrutiny, fairness, and accountability.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni. Justice Abodo urged the new members to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“You must be honest, truthful, respectful, and impartial. Those who appear before you deserve dignity,” Abodo said, adding that these values are essential to protecting the credibility of the court and strengthening public trust in military justice.
Justice Abodo welcomed the fact that all appointees are trained lawyers, saying this would enable the court to effectively address complex legal and technical issues that often arise in military cases.
“This is a positive development. Your legal training will help you navigate technical challenges, but you must always act within the law and the framework that governs your work,” she cautioned.
The Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, said that although the country has operated without the General Court Martial for about a year, discipline within the force has largely been maintained.
“We have not had an overwhelming number of cases. The UPDF has mechanisms that ensure discipline is upheld even in the absence of this court,” Bakasumba said.
Those sworn in include members of the General Court Martial, chairpersons of Unit Court Martial, and members of the Leadership Code Tribunal, which handles cases involving leaders who fail to declare their assets to the Inspectorate of Government.
The tribunal is chaired by Roselyn Karugonjo Segawa, with Anthony Kaweesi Kakooza serving as her deputy.