The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed a series of criminal allegations attributed to former junior officer Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga, describing the claims as “unsubstantiated rubbish” and accusing him of using forged documents and doctored images to attack the military leadership.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Kampala on Thursday, October 1, 2026, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said the allegations circulating on social media had been noted by the military and were directed at the institution, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and President Yoweri Museveni.
According to Magezi, the material attributed to Mabonga consists of “forgeries, doctored images, and concoctions,” which the UPDF says have no factual basis.
The military also disclosed that Mabonga is a deserter who has been on the run after failing to report to his reassigned duty station.
From military intelligence to AWOL status
Magezi said Mabonga was formerly a junior officer attached to the Chieftancy of Defence Intelligence and Security before he was transferred to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal in April 2026 for reassignment.
However, the UPDF says Mabonga never reported to his new station.
“He did not report to his new duty station and was subsequently declared AWOL,” Magezi said.
His absence was later escalated from being absent without official leave to desertion, according to the statement.
The military says he has remained at large since then.
The UPDF’s statement therefore places Mabonga’s allegations against the military leadership in the context of his status as a wanted deserter, rather than as a serving officer speaking from within the institution.
UPDF accuses Mabonga of extortion, land fraud
The military went further, alleging that Mabonga is wanted over separate criminal allegations involving civilians and business interests.
Magezi said the former officer is accused of extorting money from business groups and individuals in Kampala and other areas.
He is also accused of involvement in fraudulent land transactions and the forgery of land titles.
The UPDF did not provide details of the alleged victims, amounts of money involved or specific land transactions in the statement.
The allegations against Mabonga remain accusations unless established through the appropriate legal process.
Military vows arrest
The UPDF described Mabonga as an “indisciplined and criminal minded junior officer” and said it intends to arrest him and subject him to military justice.
“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,” Magezi said.
The statement did not indicate where Mabonga is believed to be hiding or disclose whether security agencies have launched specific operations to locate him.
The military’s response comes amid the circulation of serious allegations on social media attributed to Mabonga. The UPDF has rejected those allegations outright, while simultaneously placing the former officer on its list of individuals wanted over desertion and other alleged offences.
The dispute now sets the stage for a potential confrontation between the military’s institutional response and Mabonga’s allegations, should security agencies succeed in apprehending him.
