Court Remands Four UPDF Officers in 270,000-Litre Fuel Theft Case

The General Court Martial in Makindye remanded four Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers on charges of stealing 270,000 litres of automotive gas oil designated for military use.

The officers—Brig Gen James Barigye Ruheesi, Col David Ociti Kidega, Maj Innocent Kikongi Mugumya, and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera—appeared before a panel led by Brig Richard Tukacungurwa. They are charged under Section 122(b) of the UPDF Act for conduct prejudicial to operational efficiency.

Prosecutors, headed by Col Raphael Mugisha, alleged the theft occurred between July 2022 and December 2023 in Kampala and Jinja. The fuel was reportedly diverted from the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre for personal gain, causing massive financial losses over three years.

All four denied the allegations. The prosecution requested extended remand time as investigations wrap up, with the suspects to remain at Makindye military police detention.

Defence counsel Maj Simon Busagwa Nsubuga sought evidence disclosure but was denied by Tukacungurwa, who deferred it until after probes conclude. The case is adjourned to May 29, 2026.

Brig Gen Ruheesi, the lead suspect, was arrested in April 2025 on orders from Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who publicly announced the action on X, vowing more arrests. The incident highlights missing fuel at the Jinja facility, impacting its rapid response capabilities amid a wider military anti-corruption drive.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)