As the afternoon light settled over Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja District, a sense of purpose marked the closing ceremony at the Legal Training Centre. The induction course for Court Martial Chairpersons, Prosecutors, and Members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces had reached its conclusion after weeks of intense learning and reflection.
The programme, which began on 2 February 2026, brought together 89 officers from the UPDF legal fraternity. Throughout the training, participants engaged with the principles and practical demands of military justice, preparing themselves for roles that would place them at the heart of critical decision-making processes. The course was designed not only to sharpen legal skills, but also to reinforce ethical judgment and professional responsibility.
Brigadier General Michael Kabango, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka, officiated at the ceremony. In his address, he cautioned the officers to fully recognize the seriousness of the authority entrusted to them. He noted that their rulings would have lasting effects on individuals’ lives and careers, and therefore required a strong commitment to fairness, honesty, and respect for justice. He further urged them to be attentive to those whose perspectives might be overlooked, stressing that justice must be evident both in action and in perception.
Colonel Susan Muwanga, Commandant of the Legal Training Centre, underscored the importance of the course in reinforcing the UPDF’s justice system. She explained that the trained officers would play a vital role throughout the legal process, particularly in representing the government, and that their work was central to maintaining discipline and accountability within the force.
The event drew attendance from both senior and junior UPDF officers. As the ceremony concluded, the graduates departed with a renewed sense of duty, aware that their service would be measured not only by adherence to the law, but by their commitment to fairness and human dignity.