The Head of Counter-Intelligence at the Directorate of Counter-Intelligence and Security in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Henry Buryomunda, has urged officers to apply professionalism, discipline and lawful conduct in the execution of internal security operations, calling on them to become “solutions” to challenges affecting the force and the country.
Col Buryomunda made the remarks while officiating at the closing ceremony of the Military in Internal Operations Course Intake 04/26, conducted in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross at the Legal Training Centre.
The course brought together UPDF officers for specialised training in international humanitarian law, operational discipline, protection of civilians, and the legal frameworks governing military operations during internal security engagements.
“You should go back to your units and make a difference. Do not go back to the units to be a problem. Go and be a solution to so many things that we are challenged with,” he said.
Col Buryomunda applauded the ICRC for its continued partnership with the UPDF, describing the organisation as a “lifetime partner” whose contribution has supported the transformation of the army into a more professional force.
He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, ideology and awareness among soldiers, noting that understanding the law and principles governing military operations is critical in preventing misconduct and strengthening professionalism within the force.
Quoting former Burkina Faso leader Thomas Sankara, he said, “A soldier without ideology is a potential criminal.”
Col Buryomunda further urged the officers to uphold discipline, accountability and respect for civilians while carrying out internal operations, stressing that military professionalism must remain anchored in the rule of law and national values.
Representing the ICRC, Mamadou Camara described the course as timely and essential in preparing officers for the complex realities associated with internal operations.
“Internal operations are not an easy business. They are even more complicated than warfighting because you are dealing with your fellow compatriots,” he said.
Camara reminded participants that the use of force during internal operations must always remain lawful, proportionate and guided by restraint.
“Even war has limits, and internal operations also have limits,” he said, urging officers to apply the principles of minimum use of force and escalation only where necessary.
Camara reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to continued cooperation with the UPDF through training, advisory support and engagement with units across the country in promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
The Commandant of the Legal Training Centre, Lydia Katisi, said the knowledge acquired during the course would strengthen operational effectiveness, professionalism and lawful conduct within the UPDF.
She urged officers to implement the lessons learned by exercising restraint, respecting human dignity and operating within the law while executing their duties.
“As the UPDF, we remain a people-centred force committed to protecting Uganda, preserving peace and safeguarding national stability,” she added.
The course forms part of ongoing efforts by the UPDF and its partners to strengthen adherence to legal and humanitarian standards during operations, while promoting professionalism, accountability and civilian protection.
