SFC Denies Links to 'Captain' Arrested for Extortion at NIRA

The Special Forces Command (SFC) has issued a statement clarifying their position regarding the recent arrest of Yonasan Tibenderana, who was apprehended for allegedly extorting money from individuals seeking services at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) offices in Kololo.

Captain Julius Kabandize, the SFC’s public information officer, stated that Tibenderana is neither a serving officer nor a soldier within the military unit, and therefore has no affiliation with the SFC. Kabandize emphasized that any claims identifying Tibenderana as an “SFC Captain” are inaccurate and misleading.

The SFC strongly condemns the act of impersonating military personnel for fraudulent purposes and is committed to upholding the integrity of its service. The command assures the public that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.

Tibenderana, aged 35, appeared before Nakawa grade one magistrate Rhoda Acham Ochom on charges of obtaining money by false pretence. The prosecution alleges that on September 1, 2025, at the NIRA offices, Tibenderana accepted Shs 200,000 from Juliet Apio, promising to expedite the processing of her national identity card.

Following his arrest, Tibenderana’s photograph was displayed on NIRA’s “Wall of Shame,” alongside another individual identified as David Lutasingwa. This situation presents a contradiction, as court documents reportedly list Tibenderana as a serving SFC captain, while the SFC itself maintains he has never been part of their ranks.

This discrepancy raises questions about Tibenderana’s claimed military status and highlights the SFC’s commitment to distinguishing itself from individuals who engage in criminal activities while falsely claiming affiliation.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)