Brigadier General Richard Tukacungurwa has been sworn in as the new Chairperson of the General Court Martial, alongside other members of the military court, at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the Principal Judge, Justice Jane Frances Abodo, and attended by senior government and military officials, including the Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj Gen Jackson Bakasumba.
Justice Abodo expressed pride as she witnessed the oath-taking, describing it as clear evidence that Uganda has a professional and disciplined army.
“I was beaming with pride as the qualifications of the men and women in uniform were being read. We truly have a professional army,” Justice Abodo said.
She reminded the newly sworn-in members that their authority must be exercised strictly in accordance with the law and guided by fairness, impartiality and fidelity to justice.
“I ask us future officers and prize-winning future officers with a sacred duty to exercise power only in accordance with the law, guided by fairness, impartiality, and fidelity to justice. Today’s ceremony is a reminder that every signature, and every oath taken is a pledge to the people of Uganda that justice shall be administered without fear of favor, affection, or ill will. The ceremony embraces two distinct yet complementary institutions.” she said
Justice Abodo said the ceremony was a solemn reminder that every oath and every signature is a pledge to the people of Uganda that justice will be administered without fear, favour, affection or ill will.
She further noted that while the General Court Martial plays a critical role in maintaining discipline within the UPDF, the exercise of judicial power must always conform to constitutional standards.
“I would like to start by reminding you that 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. she added
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the swearing-in demonstrated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting court decisions.
“Anyone who doubted the NRM government’s resolve to respect court rulings now has clear evidence. Everything the Supreme Court directed has been implemented,” the Attorney General said.
UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jackson Bakasumba, described the Supreme Court ruling of January 31, 2025, which annulled the operations of the General Court Martial, as a blessing in disguise.
He said the decision gave the UPDF an opportunity to reorganise and strengthen its military justice system.
Maj Gen Bakasumba noted that despite operating without courts martial for a year, discipline within the force was maintained through standing operating procedures and non-judicial mechanisms.
‘The UPDF leadership has for now a span of one year period relying on the disciplinary measures to maintain the discipline of the force. It’s one of the most liberated militaries on the African continent. And how did we manage? One year without the courts sitting, we have the standing operating procedures for each unit and then we have the non-judicial procedures. Every commanding officer, every commander has to sit.’ he explained
He thanked the Attorney General, Parliament and President Museveni for the passage and assent of the UPDF Amendment Act, 2025, which paved the way for the reconstitution of the court.
“I wish to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda for accepting the Act. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Judicial Service Commission for having diligently assessed the UPDF lawyers who were presented by the High Court and successfully selected the competent judicial officers in whom I have no doubt that they will effectively execute their judicial functions.” he further stated
Brigadier General Richard Tukacungurwa assured the public that he will strictly adhere to the Constitution and the law in executing his duties at the General Court Martial.
He clarified that he is not the prosecutor, explaining that the Director of Military Prosecution handles such matters. He added that he would first engage internally to understand ongoing cases before proceedings commence.
Tukacungurwa further said the restructured court martial will be staffed by qualified legal professionals, including advocates competent to serve at the level of High Court judges. The court will operate through panels, each capable of chairing sessions independently, and he reassured the public that his presence would not be required at every sitting.
Tukacungurwa also emphasized the right of appeal, stating that decisions of the General Court Martial can be appealed to the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court.
Brigadier General Tukachungurwa is a senior officer in the UPDF with extensive experience in military law and justice. Before being appointed Chairperson of the General Court Martial (GCM) in November 2025, he served prominently as the Judge Advocate of the General Court Martial, the principal legal advisor and officer responsible for guiding the application of military law in court proceedings.
His promotion to Brigadier General and appointment as head of the General Court Martial came via a State House communication dated 25 November 2025, acting on advice from the Judicial Service Commission, in line with Sections 192, 193 and 195 of the amended UPDF Act.
As Judge Advocate, Brigadier General Tukachungurwa was a key legal figure in the UPDF’s military justice system, advising military courts on legal matters, interpretation of military law, and courtroom procedure.
Brigadier General Tukachungurwa has overseen, one of the most widely reported cases during his tenure as Judge Advocate involved the 2025 treason and related proceedings concerning opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his legal team
Upon his appointment as Chairperson of the General Court Martial, Brig Gen Tukachungurwa succeeded Brig Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe, who had previously led the court.
Other members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) General Court Martial sworn in today include
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Colonel Wankandya Simon Tusah — Member
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Colonel Asha Patra — Member
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Colonel Kangwamu Fredrick — Member
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Colonel Mugisha Raphael — Member
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Lieutenant Colonel Igambi Mohammedie Nasser — Member
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Major Amodoi Samuel Moses — Member
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Major Emmanuel Arihaihi — Member
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Major Abubaker Nyombi — Member
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Major Denis Chemtai — Member
These nine senior officers form the core panel that will assist the chairperson in hearing and determining cases before the General Court Martial.