UPDF brands Lt Mabonga claims ‘rubbish’, says ex-CMI officer will face military justice
The UPDF has officially dismissed allegations of state-run torture facilities as fabricated, labeling the whistleblower, Lt. Herbert Matanda Mabonga, a deserter and criminal. The military stated that Mabonga is wanted for extortion and fraud, and they intend to bring him to justice.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing tensions between the Ugandan military and internal whistleblowers regarding human rights allegations and state conduct.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed serious allegations circulating on social media regarding alleged state-run safe houses and torture facilities as fabricated, labeling the source—a former military intelligence officer—a deserter wanted for extortion and forgery.
In a statement issued Thursday on X, Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, said the military had taken note of material circulating against the UPDF, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Museveni. “The claims attributed to Lt Mabonga, a UPDF deserter, are a pile of unsubstantiated rubbish composed of forgeries, doctored images, and concoctions,” Col Magezi said.
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