By Sekaggya Seka Moses
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has announced new appointments to key positions within its court martial system, signalling a major shakeup in the military’s judicial arm.
Brigadier-General Richard Tukachungurwa, who previously clashed with human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza during the treason trial of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, has been promoted to Head of the General Court Martial.
The appointment, made by Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba on November 25, sees Brig Tukachungurwa replace Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, whose second one-year term expired on June 9.
Gen Muhoozi made the appointment in his capacity as the head of the UPDF Establishment, which gives him full command powers previously reserved for the Commander-in-Chief.
As Judge Advocate during the trial, Brig Tukachungurwa oversaw proceedings in which lawyer Kiiza was physically prevented from taking his place among the defence counsel, arrested in court, and summarily convicted of contempt of court, receiving a nine-month prison sentence.
The new appointments follow consultations with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and are made under Sections 192, 193, and 195 of the UPDF Act, as amended.
The General Court Martial, responsible for handling serious offenses under the UPDF Act, will now include several newly appointed members, including:
- Colonel Simon Tusah Wankandya
- Colonel Asha Patra
- Colonel Fredrick Kangwamu
- Colonel Raphael Mugisha
- Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammedie Nasser Igambi
- Major Samuel Moses Amodoi
- Major Emmanuel Arihaihi
- Major Abubaker Nyombi
- Major Denis Chemtai
Additionally, Gen Muhoozi has named new Chairpersons for key Division Court Martials, which try cases at the regional level.
The appointments aim to ensure the efficient running of justice across the UPDF’s operational areas and take immediate effect.
The newly appointed Division Court Martial Chairpersons include:
- Lieutenant-Colonel David Drani Epalu – For the Fourth Division
- Lieutenant-Colonel Yaqoub Hassan Mulyanti – For the One Special Forces Group
The appointments have raised eyebrows among opposition supporters, who see Brig Tukachungurwa’s promotion as a reward for his role in the trial of Dr Besigye, a prominent opposition leader.
