UPDF Dismisses Social Media Allegations Against Leadership as “Forgeries,” Declares Wanted Officer a Deserter
KAMPALA — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has issued a strong rebuttal to a series of serious criminal allegations circulating on social media, dismissing the claims as fabricated and confirming that the officer behind them is a fugitive deserter wanted for fraud.
In a press statement released on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and signed by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the UPDF stated that the allegations—which targeted the institution, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the President of Uganda—were “a pile of unsubstantiated rubbish.”
The military identified the source of the claims as Lt. Herbert Matanda Mabonga, a former junior officer attached to the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security. The UPDF alleges that the materials circulated online consist of “forgeries, doctored images, and concoctions.”
According to the statement, Lt. Mabonga’s status within the force deteriorated earlier this year. He was transferred to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal for reassignment in April 2026. However, he failed to report to his new duty station, leading to his initial classification as Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). His status was later upgraded to desertion.
Beyond his absence without leave, the UPDF revealed that Lt. Mabonga is currently wanted on separate criminal charges. These include the extortion of funds from business groups and individuals in Kampala and surrounding areas, as well as involvement in fraudulent land transactions and the forgery of land titles.
Describing the officer as “indisciplined and criminal minded,” the UPDF suggested that Lt. Mabonga may also have been disgruntled in the line of duty.
The military has vowed to pursue the fugitive officer, stating that he “will be arrested and brought to military justice.”
By Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director Defence Public Information, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF.
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