KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed allegations attributed to Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga against the military leadership, President Yoweri Museveni and the institution, describing them as unsubstantiated and accusing Mabonga of desertion.
In a statement, Col Chris Magezi, the acting director of defence public information, said the UPDF had taken note of claims circulating on social media and attributed to Mabonga.
Magezi described Mabonga as a UPDF deserter, alleging that the claims were based on forged documents, doctored images and fabricated information.
“The claims attributed to Lt Mabonga, a UPDF deserter, are a pile of unsubstantiated rubbish composed of forgeries, doctored images, and concoctions,” Magezi said.
According to the UPDF, Mabonga previously served under the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security before being transferred in 2025 to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal for reassignment.
The army alleges that Mabonga failed to report to his new station after the transfer. He was initially declared absent without leave before his status was subsequently upgraded to desertion.
Magezi said Mabonga has since been on the run.
The UPDF further accused the former officer of allegedly extorting money from business groups and individuals in Kampala and other areas.
The army also linked him to alleged fraudulent land transactions and the use of forged land titles.
Magezi described Mabonga as an “indisciplined officer” and said the UPDF would pursue him and bring him before military justice.
The allegations attributed to Mabonga have circulated on social media, but the UPDF has rejected their authenticity and maintained that he is no longer acting as a serving officer of the force.
The army’s response comes amid continued public discussion over the claims and their alleged implications for the UPDF leadership and government.
