The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has established a high-level investigation committee to probe recent allegations surrounding reported terrorist threats in Kampala. These claims suggest that some counter-terrorism officers may have fabricated incidents in order to secure increased operational funding.
The committee is chaired by Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, and includes top security officials from across Uganda’s major intelligence and enforcement agencies.
Among the members are Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba; Arthur Mugyenyi, Director General of Internal Security Organisation (ISO); Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, Director General of External Security Organisation (ESO); Maj Gen Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence; Brig Gen Tom Magambo, Director of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID); and Col Ddamulira Sseruyange, Head of Special Forces Command (SFC) in charge of counterintelligence.
Security sources say the investigation stems from growing concerns at the highest levels of the military and police due to inconsistencies in reports about recent bomb plots allegedly linked to the ADF, a terrorist group operating in eastern DRC with ties to the Islamic State.
Preliminary findings suggest that some security officials may have exaggerated or even staged incidents to justify requests for higher budgets and access to counterterrorism funds.
A senior military official familiar with the file stated:
“While the ADF remains a persistent threat, we cannot allow internal systems to be compromised for personal gain.”
He added:
“The integrity of our security agencies is paramount.”
According to ChimpReports, the committee will review operational reports, intercepted communications, financial transactions, and intelligence data related to bomb threats from the past six months.
Top officials in the police and military intelligence will also be summoned for questioning.
This committee comes amid rising public concern over security lapses around Kampala, especially following reports of recently foiled attacks.
UPDF spokespersons were unavailable for comment at the time of publication, but sources confirmed that the committee had begun private hearings at the Mbuya army headquarters.
Findings will be submitted directly to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who reportedly ordered the probe after an internal audit exposed irregularities.
This investigation marks one of Uganda’s most serious internal counterterrorism reviews in recent years and could lead to severe disciplinary action if misconduct is confirmed.
