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A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a dummy pistol and a fake UPDF identity card bearing the details RO/012032 Maj Shaban Mugwanya
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By Our Reporter
Kyengera, Wakiso District – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have arrested Mr. Mugwanya Shaban, who has been masquerading as a senior army officer under the name “Major Shaban.” He is currently in custody over serious criminal allegations, including kidnapping, impersonation, and forgery. Mugwanya, who claims to be a cattle trader, was apprehended on August 27, 2025, at Shell Fuel Station in Kyengera, Wakiso District. At the time of his arrest, he was dressed in a UPDF green ceremonial suit fitted with forged insignia of a Major.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a dummy pistol and a fake UPDF identity card bearing the details RO/012032 Maj Shaban Mugwanya. He later confessed to posing as a UPDF senior officer since February 2024, admitting to carrying out illegal arrests, land transactions, and debt recovery schemes for personal gain.
Kidnapping plot uncovered
Investigations revealed that in August 2025, Mugwanya, together with accomplices identified as Mpanga Brennan Patrick, Kyamanya Peter, and a man known as Capt. Ivan, kidnapped Mzee Spelito Mubiru from Luwero District. According to Mugwanya’s confession, the abduction was ordered by Nalwoga Sharon, who allegedly paid UGX 3 million to Capt. Ivan to execute the crime. The victim was detained unlawfully for two days before being released.
Forgery and fake identity
Authorities established that Mugwanya purchased the UPDF ceremonial suit for UGX 150,000 and the insignia of a Major for UGX 60,000 from a tailor identified only as Alex at Cooper Complex, Kampala. The same tailor allegedly produced his fake UPDF identity card for UGX 40,000.
These items, investigators say, enabled Mugwanya to convincingly pass off as a senior army officer, deceiving the public and exploiting them for financial gain.
Widespread impersonation
The suspect is also accused of working with serving and retired officers, including PC Seremba Benard, D/Cpl Okirya Moses, and Maj (Rtd) Jimmy Katende, to carry out illegal arrests and handle land disputes. Since 2024, Mugwanya has reportedly presented himself as a Major attached to State House, a claim the UPDF has categorically dismissed.
UPDF Response
In a statement, the UPDF warned that such criminal behavior undermines the army’s credibility and endangers public safety.
“The UPDF categorically confirms that Mr. Mugwanya has never been a member of the Force and fully disassociates itself from his actions,” the statement read.
The army emphasized that fraudulent acts by individuals masquerading as security operatives continue to erode public trust, vowing that all culprits will be investigated and prosecuted.
Mugwanya is currently in lawful custody and will be charged for impersonation, forgery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of military items.
The UPDF has urged the public to be vigilant when approached by individuals claiming to be security officers, to verify their credentials, and to report all suspicious activity to the nearest police station or UPDF unit.
“The UPDF reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining discipline, and protecting Ugandans from all forms of criminality,” the army assured.
Torch Media Africa
