By Bruno Mugizi
The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed allegations made by Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga, a former junior officer attached to the Defence Intelligence and Security headquarters, describing the claims against the army, its leadership and the President as unsubstantiated.
The UPDF said material circulated by Mabonga on social media contains what it described as forgeries, doctored images and fabricated information.
Col Chris Magezi, the acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, said Mabonga had been transferred to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal for reassignment but failed to report to his new duty station.
Magezi initially said the transfer took place in April 2026 but later issued a correction, saying Mabonga was transferred in November 2025.
He said Mabonga was subsequently declared Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) before his status was upgraded to desertion.
The UPDF also alleges that Mabonga is wanted over alleged extortion of money from business groups and individuals, fraudulent land transactions and forgery of land titles.
Magezi said Mabonga would be arrested and brought before military justice.
The army's response followed a video and documents released by Mabonga on September 30, in which he alleged that security agencies operate secret detention facilities and accused security personnel of torture, abductions and enforced disappearances.
Mabonga also circulated footage which he claimed was recorded at a military safe house in Entebbe and which purportedly showed opposition figures Sam Mugumya and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
The location, date and circumstances under which the footage was recorded could not be independently verified by journalists.
Mabonga, who said he had served in military intelligence, claimed he had witnessed human rights abuses and had information concerning people allegedly detained by security agencies.
The UPDF, however, rejected the claims and accused Mabonga of circulating fabricated material.
Magezi described Mabonga as an undisciplined and criminal-minded junior officer and said the army would ensure that he is arrested and subjected to military justice.
The allegations have also attracted parliamentary attention. On Thursday, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi asked the Government to account for people reported missing or allegedly held without being produced in court.
Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng told Parliament that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had received a list of missing persons and requested time to verify the cases.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth directed the Government to provide a report on the matter within two weeks.
The developments come amid continuing public concern over the whereabouts of opposition activist Sam Mugumya, whose image also appeared in the footage circulated by Mabonga.
