The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Gulu regional office has successfully conducted a legal aid outreach for officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) at the 4 Infantry Division Headquarters in Gulu.
The initiative is part of UHRC’s preparatory activities ahead of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and the International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
The engagement aimed to strengthen awareness of human rights, humanitarian law, and legal obligations among military personnel, ensuring that UPDF operations align with both national and international legal frameworks.
Speaking during the outreach, the Regional Human Rights Officer for UHRC Gulu, Phiona Opoka, commended the UPDF leadership for their proactive efforts to uphold the rule of law in military operations. She highlighted that the army’s approach demonstrates a strong commitment to equality before the law.
“UPDF is a pro-people force, and it is required to follow all the laws that govern Uganda,” Opoka said.
She emphasised that UHRC prioritises units engaged in missions and operations to prevent any actions that may result in impunity and to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Opoka further applauded the UPDF for adopting policies that support legal aid services, noting that these measures have contributed to improved conduct among personnel, both on duty and in their personal lives.
During the session, the Commission provided briefings on international human rights law and humanitarian law, including International Labour Organisation conventions, the Geneva Conventions (1864–1977), and protections for women and children during conflict and military operations.
Representing the Division Commander, Col. Alex Wabuyi of the 4 Artillery Brigade described the legal clinic as timely, particularly as the country enters the election security period and festive season. He noted that the knowledge shared would help security personnel maintain the army’s image while serving the public.
“As UPDF, we have advanced to a significant level in human rights protection, as noted in international human rights reports,” Wabuyi said.
He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to upholding human rights in both military and civil engagements, in line with Article 221 of the Constitution of Uganda.
The outreach attracted officers from the 4 Infantry Division as well as heads of departments, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen legal compliance and human rights awareness across UPDF operations.