UPDF Dismisses Ex-Officer's Claims of Safe Houses as 'Rubbish'

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has publicly denounced claims circulating on social media alleging the existence of state-run safe houses and torture facilities. The army asserts that these accusations, attributed to former junior officer Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga, are entirely unfounded.

Col Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, stated that the material presented by Lt Mabonga is a “pile of unsubstantiated rubbish composed of forgeries, doctored images, and concoctions.” According to the UPDF, Lt Mabonga was declared Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) in April 2026 after failing to report to his new duty station in Fort Portal. This status was later upgraded to desertion.

The military also alleges that Lt Mabonga is involved in criminal activities, including extortion from business groups and individuals in Kampala, as well as land title forgery. While specifics on victims or amounts were not provided, the UPDF is reportedly seeking his apprehension.

“The undisciplined and criminal-minded junior officer… will be arrested and brought to military justice,” Col Magezi declared.

These denials come at a time when Parliament is intensifying its focus on the issue of missing persons and alleged human rights abuses. The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, recently raised concerns about the fate of several Ugandans, citing leaked footage of opposition activist Sam Mugumya, who reportedly appeared weakened inside an alleged military facility.

The government has been given two weeks by the Speaker of Parliament to audit detention records and provide a comprehensive report on the missing persons. The UPDF urges the public to disregard Lt Mabonga’s claims, maintaining they are doctored and false.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)