UPDF soldier arrested for supplying uniforms to impostors

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces-UPDF is holding their own for allegedly supplying military and police uniforms to three suspected imposters.

Arthur Nuwagaba, a warrant officer II attached to the finance office in the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence-CMI, Mbuya in Kampala was arrested on Thursday.

His detention stemmed from the arrest of his accomplices in intelligence-led operations in Kidokoro zone, Kawempe Ttula, Kawempe division last week following reports of robbery and impersonation by the suspects.

Two of the suspects are Ashraf Agaba and one Ahabwe. Their colleague identified as Junior Ssedrak alias Vincent Atwine who has been masquerading as Assistant Superintendent of Police is still at large.

A senior security source that was involved in the arrest says that Nuwagaba has been supplying the suspects with military and police uniforms to engage in illegal activities.

“They have been moving around different places in Kawempe, and Makindye division targeting bars and other businesses that could be found operating past curfew time, pretending to be enforcing the curfew. We are told they also hold illegal roadblocks where they rob members of the public,” he said.

UPDF spokesperson Brig. Flavia Byekwaso said she hadn’t yet been briefed about the arrests.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said police have no idea where the suspects have been getting police uniforms.

Earlier this year, police arrested another UPDF impersonator Kyambadde Kasiryo Haruna, a resident of Lugala Masanafu, in Rubaga division who was found in possession of a toy gun-pistol, UPDF identity card, uniforms and tear gas canisters, and housebreaking implements.

His arrest came days after the arrest of Michael Yiga, Ronald Ssenyonjo, Kanyehamye Kakistone, a UPDF deserter, and Juma Kaya who were also participating in different robberies in Kawempe division.