By Diana N.Kintu
In a significant development within Uganda’s military judiciary, Brigadier General Richard Tukachungurwa has been appointed as the new Head of the General Court Martial of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The appointment was formalised through an official correspondence from the office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, dated November 25, 2025.
The letter, referenced as PO/2.0, confirms that the decision was taken “in accordance with Sections 192, 193, and 195 of the UPDF Act as amended, and acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.” These provisions form the legal backbone governing the structure, jurisdiction, and proceedings of military courts in Uganda. Brig. Gen. Tukachungurwa succeeds General Andrew Gutti, who previously held the position of Head of the General Court Martial.
The appointment coincides with a broader reshuffle within the UPDF’s military judiciary, aimed at reinforcing the court’s operational capacity and ensuring effective administration of military justice. In addition to naming Brig. Gen. Tukachungurwa as head. The correspondence also listed nine officers appointed to serve as members of the General Court Martial. Among the appointees are senior officers such as Colonel Wankandya Simon Tusah, Colonel Asha Patra, and Colonel Kangwamu Fredrick, reflecting a balance of experience and expertise within the court’s panel.
The communication further announced the appointment of new Chairpersons for the Division Court Martials, which operate under the General Court Martial to handle cases at divisional levels. Lt. Col. Drani Epalu David was named Chairperson for the Fourth Division Court Martial, while Lt. Col. Mulyanti Yaqoub Hassan was appointed to lead the One Special Forces Group Court Martial. These appointments are intended to strengthen judicial oversight and ensure that military personnel across different divisions have timely access to judicial processes.
The General Court Martial holds a critical role within the UPDF legal framework. It is tasked with trying serving military personnel for offences under the UPDF Act, including breaches of discipline, criminal conduct, and other infractions related to military service. The court operates as the highest judicial authority for the UPDF, with the power to impose penalties ranging from reprimands to dismissal or other sanctions consistent with military law.
Brig. Gen. Tukachungurwa’s appointment signals continuity and stability in the military justice system. According to military observers, routine administrative renewals of court leadership, such as this, are vital for maintaining the efficiency, credibility, and independence of military judicial processes. The refreshed composition of the court is expected to enhance the adjudication of cases, promote adherence to legal standards, and uphold discipline across the force.
The official correspondence serves not only as a formal notification of appointments but also as a directive to all relevant UPDF commands and stakeholders to recognise the authority of the newly appointed head and court members. It marks a key administrative milestone for the UPDF judiciary as the institution continues to balance operational readiness with rigorous enforcement of legal and ethical standards.
With Brig. Gen. Tukachungurwa at the helm, the General Court Martial is poised to continue its mandate of ensuring accountability, discipline, and fairness within Uganda’s armed forces, reinforcing the role of military justice as a cornerstone of professional military conduct.