A total of 22 officers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have successfully completed a two-week Commanders and Legal Advisers Course aimed at enhancing military justice and leadership effectiveness.
The training was conducted at the Legal Training Centre (LTC) located in Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja, bringing together commanders and legal officers from various UPDF units across the country. The course focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of military law, command responsibility, and the administration of justice within the armed forces.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Kamanda Mutungi, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of the training in building a professional and accountable military.
“You are leaders of the armed forces, and I implore you to share this valuable information with your subordinates who did not get the opportunity to attend. UPDF is counting on you as a resource to enhance command,” he said.
He further noted that the effectiveness and credibility of the UPDF depend on officers executing their duties responsibly, particularly in upholding justice and maintaining the institution’s integrity.
The Commandant of the Legal Training Centre, Lydia Katisi, commended the officers for their commitment throughout the course. She highlighted that the participants leave the training better equipped with legal expertise and a deeper appreciation of military justice systems.
On behalf of the participants, Senior Course Representative David Kararira described the course as both relevant and impactful.
“This has been a productive course for us as commanders. We have learnt how to administer military justice and how it works. It is my prayer that LTC continues to conduct such courses so that other commanders can also benefit,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Chief Instructor Sam Wako Wambuzi, representatives from sister training institutions within Gaddafi Barracks, and LTC directing staff.
The completion of the course marks another step in UPDF’s ongoing efforts to professionalize its forces and strengthen operational effectiveness through continuous training and capacity building.
