Kampala, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Tuesday ordered the release of Brig Gen Johnson Namanya following what the military described as an “amicable and friendly meeting” that cleared him of all allegations.
The development brings an end to a brief but high-profile detention that had raised questions about internal disciplinary operations within the Uganda People’s Defence Force.
In a statement issued by Acting Director Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, the army confirmed that Brig Gen Namanya was freed after engaging directly with the CDF.
“General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has today released Brig Gen Johnson Namanya from detention after an amicable and friendly meeting in which the latter was cleared of all allegations levelled against him,” Magezi said.
The UPDF added that Namanya will immediately resume his duties, signalling a return to normalcy after the unexpected detention.
Background to the detention
Brig Gen Namanya had been arrested alongside other senior officers in an internal military operation linked to alleged misconduct and broader concerns within the force.
Among those reportedly affected was former commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, who was also detained during the same crackdown.
However, the military has not publicly disclosed the exact nature of the allegations that led to the arrests.
Gen Namanya’s release suggests that investigations did not substantiate the claims against him. The UPDF described the meeting with the CDF as constructive and aimed at resolving the matter internally.
“The Brigadier General will resume his military duties accordingly,” Col Magezi added.
Despite the clearance, uncertainty remains over the fate of other officers detained during the same operation, as no official updates have been issued regarding their status.
The incident comes at a time when the UPDF, under Gen Muhoozi’s leadership since 2024, has emphasized internal discipline and professionalism within its ranks.
Military authorities have consistently maintained that internal accountability processes are essential to maintaining operational integrity.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
