The Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has overseen the arrest of at least 20 senior officers in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign spanning the past two years.
The crackdown follows investigations into allegations of corruption, fraud, misuse of military resources, and intelligence failures within the force. The arrested officers are currently being held at military detention facilities in Makindye and Kasenyi.
Key Arrests
Among the senior officers mentioned in the investigations are:
Maj Gen Don Nabaasa – corruption-related offences
Brig Johnson Nahamya – alleged corruption
Brig Gen Cyrus Bekunda – alleged corruption
Maj Gen James Birungi – treason, corruption, intelligence mishandling
Col Godfrey Tukamwakira – corruption-related offences
Col Patrick Ssemawula – espionage allegations
Col Peter Ahimbisibwe – treason and corruption
Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga – treason and corruption
Key Issues Under Investigation
Authorities have highlighted several systemic concerns within the UPDF, including:
Widespread corruption across ranks
Procurement fraud, particularly involving aircraft spare parts and fuel
Misuse of over Shs1 billion allocated for aircraft maintenance
Intelligence lapses and operational misconduct
The arrests are part of broader efforts by Gen. Muhoozi to professionalise the army, strengthen discipline, and eliminate corrupt practices. The move aligns with repeated calls by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for accountability within the military.
Despite the high-profile detentions, most of the implicated officers have not yet appeared before courts of law, with investigations still ongoing. The developments signal a deepening internal clean-up within Uganda’s military establishment.
Courtesy: Daily Monitor
