UPDF says deserter Mabonga wanted over alleged extortion, fraud

KAMPALA — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed criminal allegations attributed to Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga against the military leadership and the President, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and alleging that the officer is wanted over separate criminal offences.

In a statement issued Thursday, October 1, 2026, Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF, said the military had taken note of allegations circulating on social media platforms against the institution, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and President Yoweri Museveni.

Col. Magezi described the claims attributed to Mabonga as “a pile of unsubstantiated rubbish” comprising what he said were forgeries, doctored images and fabricated claims.

According to Magezi, Mabonga was formerly a junior officer attached to the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security before he was transferred to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal in April 2026 for reassignment.

However, Magezi said Mabonga did not report to his new duty station and was subsequently declared absent without official leave (AWOL).

“Eventually, his AWOL status was upgraded to desertion, and he has been on the run since,” Magezi said.

The UPDF spokesperson further alleged that Mabonga is wanted over allegations of extorting money from business groups and individuals in Kampala and other areas.

He also accused the officer of involvement in fraudulent land transactions and the forgery of land titles.

Magezi said the UPDF considers Mabonga’s conduct a disciplinary and criminal matter and that efforts would be made to apprehend him.

“The indisciplined and criminal minded junior officer, who it appears was also disgruntled in his line of duty, will be arrested and brought to military justice,” he said.

The UPDF did not provide further details about the specific social media allegations attributed to Mabonga or evidence supporting the separate criminal allegations against him.

Mabonga is presumed innocent of the alleged offences unless and until they are established through the appropriate legal process.

The post UPDF says deserter Mabonga wanted over alleged extortion, fraud appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.