We Shall Look For Him & Arrest Him; Top UPDF Officials Dismisses Claims Made By Lt Mabonga

Top officials in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have dismissed allegations attributed to Lieutenant Herbert Matanda Mabonga, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and accusing him of desertion.

The army’s response was delivered by Colonel Chris Magezi, the acting director of defence public information, following allegations circulating on social media targeting the military institution, Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Col Magezi said the UPDF had taken note of the allegations but rejected their credibility. He maintained that the claims attributed to Lt Mabonga were not supported by credible evidence.

According to Magezi, the allegations were a collection of what he described as forgeries, manipulated images and fabricated information. He also accused opposition supporters of giving the claims credibility, although no independent evidence was provided in the statement to support that accusation.

The army official referred to Lt Mabonga as a deserter, making it clear that the institution did not accept the former officer’s allegations. The UPDF’s response signals a strong rejection of the claims and an effort to challenge the information circulating online.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that security operatives have been deployed to look for Lt Mabonga and arrest him. The reports suggest that authorities are concerned he could leave the country before being apprehended, although the deployment and alleged plans have not been independently confirmed.

The reported search for Lt Mabonga comes amid the exchange of accusations between the former officer and military officials. However, the details surrounding the allegations, the evidence behind them and any formal action against him remain unclear from the information available.

The matter is likely to attract further attention as more details emerge about Lt Mabonga’s claims and the UPDF’s response. For now, the army has publicly dismissed the allegations, while reports of a possible arrest remain unverified.