Officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the United Nations Guard Unit Eleven (UNGU-XI) in Somalia have been reminded to strictly observe the law as they carry out their peacekeeping duties.
Delivering a legal briefing to the contingent, UNGU-XI Legal Officer Captain Chris Tumusiime emphasised the need for soldiers to fully understand their legal obligations and the consequences of breaching them. “Ignorance of the law is no defence,” Capt Tumusiime told the troops.
“As peacekeepers, we are representatives of Uganda and the United Nations, and we must uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.”
He urged soldiers to obey lawful orders from superiors and to carry out their mandates diligently, warning that negligence or failure to comply could result in prosecution and undermine operational effectiveness.
The session addressed operational, disciplinary, and security offences, with Capt Tumusiime encouraging personnel to seek clarification whenever in doubt. He stressed that a clear grasp of legal requirements is essential for mission success.
The briefing was attended by UNGU-XI Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, Deputy Commander Major Jacob Gowan Kaburika, company commanders, department heads, senior non-commissioned officers, and militants.