A total of 22 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers have successfully completed a two-week Commanders and Legal Advisers Course at the Legal Training Centre (LTC) located in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja City.
The participants, drawn from various UPDF units and formations across the country, comprised mainly commanders and legal officers. The course aimed at strengthening military justice and enhancing command effectiveness within their respective units.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Deputy Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Colonel Kamanda Mutungi, described the training as essential to effective military command.
He urged the officers to share the knowledge gained with colleagues and subordinates who did not have the opportunity to attend the course.
“You are leaders of the armed forces, and I implore you to share this valuable knowledge with your subordinates who did not get the opportunity to attend. UPDF is counting on you as a resource to enhance command,” Col Mutungi said.
He emphasized that the effectiveness of the UPDF as an institution depends on officers executing their roles responsibly, particularly in the administration of justice and in upholding the force’s legitimacy and reputation.
The Commandant of the Legal Training Centre, Major Lydia Katisi, commended the participants for their dedication and intellectual commitment throughout the training. She noted that they are leaving the centre better equipped with legal knowledge and a deeper understanding of military justice.
Meanwhile, the Senior Course Representative, Colonel David Kararira, described the training as both productive and relevant to field commanders.
“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 who did not get the opportunity can also benefit,” he said.
