news 30 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba Oversees Arrest of 20 UPDF Officers in Anti-Corruption Drive
Over the past two years since Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba became Chief of Defence Forces, at least 20 senior UPDF officers have been arrested on corruption charges, including high-profile figures like Maj Gen Don William Nabaasa and former CMI head Maj Gen James Birungi. The detentions target issues such as procurement fraud, intelligence mishandling, and bribery, signaling a push to professionalize the military. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/muhoozi-arrests-20-army-officers-5407390
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba recently marked two years as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a tenure highlighted by aggressive anti-corruption measures within the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF).
At least 20 senior officers have been detained at Makindye Military Barracks and Kasenyi Barracks in Entebbe, following direct orders from the CDF. Recent arrests include Maj Gen Don William Nabaasa and Brig Johnson Namanya Abaho last Thursday, executed via Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the deputy CDF and chief inspector of armed forces.
A notable case involves Maj Gen James Birungi, ex-Chief of Military Intelligence, nabbed for alleged treason, corruption, and botched intelligence handling. A board of inquiry led by Lt Gen Okiding exposed falsified reports, resource abuse, and misconduct tied to Birungi, Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga.
Probes focus on the UPDF Logistics Department, uncovering phantom supplies, bloated budgets, kickbacks, and shoddy goods. Some officers allegedly took a $300,000 bribe from a SADC nation to spy on UPDF communications. One general and three colonels face charges over Shs1 billion misused in aircraft spare parts and fuel deals, with inflated prices and short deliveries.
Col Ddamulira Sseruyange from Special Forces Command is heading the aircraft fraud investigation. While the UPDF acknowledges some arrests and ongoing probes, no officers have faced civilian courts yet. This crackdown addresses long-standing graft issues criticized by President Museveni, aiming to boost military professionalism.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)