By Robert Segawa
The Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed a new chairperson and members of the General Court Martial of Uganda.
The appointments were made in accordance with Sections 192, 193, and 195 of the UPDF Act as amended, and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.
According to a letter dated November 25, 2025, Gen Kainerugaba appointed Brig Gen Tukachungurwa Richard as the new Chairperson of the General Court Martial.
He also appointed nine new members to the Court Martial. These include: Col Wankandya Simon Tusah, Col Asha Patra, Col Kangwamu Fredrick, Col Mugisha Raphael, Lt Col Igamba Mohammed Nasser, Maj Amodoi Samuel Moses, Maj Arihaihi Emmanuel, Maj Nyombi Abubaker and Maj Chemutai Denis
Additionally, new Division Court Martial chairpersons were named: Lt Col Drami Epalu David for the 4th Division and Lt Col Mulyanti Yaqoub Hassan for the Special Forces Group
These appointments come in the wake of a landmark ruling earlier this year, when the Supreme Court of Uganda suspended the trial of civilians in military courts. The court declared it unconstitutional for military tribunals to try civilians, ordering all such ongoing cases to be transferred to the civilian justice system. The ruling was based on arguments that military courts lack the impartiality and competence required to handle civilian cases.
