The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has called on its officers and soldiers to rally behind leadership efforts to combat corruption, stressing that integrity is essential to safeguarding the institution.

The appeal was delivered by Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda, the UPDF-designate Defence Attaché to the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the closing ceremony of a two-week induction course for investigators and prosecutors at the Legal Training Centre in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja City.

Brig Gen Ankunda said personnel have a duty to protect the force by supporting leadership initiatives aimed at eliminating corruption within the UPDF. He noted that the training, introduced by strategic leadership, is intended to enhance legal competencies and strengthen justice delivery across the military.

He further urged officers to maintain discipline and respect for human rights in line with the UPDF’s core values and ideology, cautioning that irresponsible lifestyles could negatively affect health and operational efficiency.

The acting Commandant of the Legal Training Centre, Maj Sam Wako Wambuzi, said the programme marked the centre’s fourth intake. He explained that the collaboration between Defence Intelligence and Security and the Legal Training Centre was intentional, emphasising that effective justice requires close coordination between investigators and prosecutors.

The event was attended by senior military officials, including Col Afayo, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration at Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability; the LTC Legal Adviser, Expedit Kaaya; representatives from sister institutions within Jinja Cantonment; and directing staff from the Legal Training Centre.