29 graduate from UPDF's legal training centre
The UPDF Legal Training Centre (LTC) in Gadaffi Barracks, Jinja District has celebrated the graduation of 29 soldiers from the advanced Brigade Legal Officers Course (ABLOC).
This marks yet another milestone in the centre’s mission to empower legal excellence within the military.
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The four-week intensive training, concluded under the guidance of Brigadier General Professor Godard Busingye, the head of Joint Staff Legal Services (JS LS) in the UPDF.
Brigadier General Busingye emphasized the critical role of continuous education in the legal profession, particularly within the military context.
"Enhancing your knowledge is crucial," he said.
"As legal professionals, you must seek every opportunity to further your education, both domestically and internationally. This will not only develop you as lawyers but also as professional soldiers."
Lieutenant Colonel Suzan Mwanga, the Commandant of the LTC, highlighted that this was the 10th intake of ABLOC, consisting of young and dynamic soldiers who are also trained lawyers from various UPDF units.
She encouraged the graduates to take pride in their dual roles as soldiers and legal advisors.
"Remember, your foremost duty is to defend Uganda. Your role as a lawyer is secondary but integral. Advise your commanders wisely, with the discipline expected of a soldier, to rise through the ranks and make a meaningful impact," she urged.
The event also featured Lt. Col. Arthur Lantino, an international expert in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) from the Netherlands Armed Forces. Lt. Col. Lantino expressed pride in the longstanding partnership between the UPDF and the Netherlands Forces, which has been active since 2015.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the LTC’s capacity-building efforts and advised the graduates to always ground their legal advice in reason and knowledge rather than emotion.
Among the graduates, Pte Komuhendo Irene was recognized as the best overall student, Pte Mandela William as the best in class, and Pte Muhwezi Isaac for best leadership skills.
The LTC has earned its reputation as a center of legal excellence within the UPDF, largely due to its sustainable partnership with the Netherlands Forces.
This collaboration has been pivotal in ensuring the smooth running of courses, thereby enhancing the knowledge and capacity of UPDF personnel.
The graduation ceremony was attended by department heads from the Jinja Cantonment and staff officers from the LTC, marking a significant moment in the ongoing development of legal expertise within the UPDF.
