UPDF seeks closer teamwork between investigators and prosecutors

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A total of 33 prosecutors and investigators from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have completed a two-week capacity-building training aimed at strengthening the administration of the military justice system.

Officiating at the pass-out ceremony at the UPDF Legal Training Centre (TLC) at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja on September 25, 2026, the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Gen. Oscar Munanura, warned prosecutors and investigators against working in isolation, saying the practice contributes to the collapse of cases.

He said working separately contributes to shoddy investigations, incomplete case files, irregular release of suspects, mishandling or loss of exhibits and ineffective prosecution.

Sgt. Abel Muhumuza (L) receives a certificate of completion from Munanura, as the TLC commandant, Maj. Sam Waako (R), holds his gift for the overall best student at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja on Friday. (Photo by Jackie Nambogga)

Munanura instead urged the two parties to complement each other by upholding criminal justice, enforcing the UPDF code of conduct and safeguarding discipline, legality and professionalism across the force.

“Don’t operate in isolation, investigator gathers and preserve the truth as the prosecutor translates it into a legally sustainable case by complementing each other and not competing,” he urged.

The participants were drawn from different army units, including the CDIS, Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT), Counter Intelligence, Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) and Special Forces Command, as well as officers associated with prosecution under the General Chief of Legal Services (GCLS), among others.

Maj. Lambert Engorit, a directing staff member at the TLC, said the training was aimed at bridging the gap between investigation and prosecution so that cases do not collapse in military courts.

He said cases fail because the two departments do not understand each other, adding that the course was intended to produce investigators who think like prosecutors and prosecutors who understand investigations.

Engorit said working together would enable the officers to deliver military justice more effectively and competently.

Meanwhile, Munanura emphasised the importance of integrity, calling for zero tolerance towards officers who abuse investigative or prosecutorial authority for personal gain.

“The UPDF has zero tolerance for officers who abuse investigative or prosecutorial authority for personal gain,” he warned.

He added, “Your integrity must therefore be beyond reproach, particularly while dealing with sensitive cases, vulnerable suspects and matters of significant operational consequences.

Maj. Sam Wako Wambuzi, the TLC commandant, said capacity building could not be ignored if the force was to maintain the tempo through professional legal training while promoting justice within the force and the public at large.

Wako expressed optimism that the graduands had been transformed and properly trained to carry out their mandate within their respective units.

Wako (R) looking on as L-CPL Mildred Apio, who was among the 3 female officers, was awarded a certificate by Munanura at the LTC in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja city on Friday. (Photo by Jackie Nambogga)

Of the 33 graduands, Engorit said only three were female. Sgt Abel Muhumuza emerged as the overall best student, followed by Pt Eunice Amuron, whom he said was very active and engaging, while Capt Juma Madangu exhibited exemplary leadership skills.

On behalf of the graduands, Madangu said the training had transformed them from ordinary investigators and prosecutors into knowledgeable personnel in the field of military justice.