The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), through its Acting Director of Defence Public Information, has responded to allegations recently made by Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga against the military institution, its leadership and the President of Uganda.
In a statement released by the UPDF, sthe force dismissed the claims attributed to Mabonga, describing them as “a pile of unsubstantiated rubbish” allegedly consisting of forgerie, doctored images and fabricated information.
The UPDF identified Mabonga as a deserter and said he was formerly a junior officer attached to the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security.
According to the military, Mabonga was transferred to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal in April 2026 for reassignment, but failed to report to his new duty station.
“He did not report to his new duty station and was subsequently declared AWOL. Eventually, his AWOL status was upgraded to desertion, and he has been on the run since,” the UPDF said.
The force further alleged that Mabonga is wanted over criminal allegations involving the extortion of money from business groups and individuals in Kampala and other areas, as well as alleged involvement in fraudulent land transactions and the forgery of land titles.
The UPDF described him as an “indisciplined and criminal-minded junior officer” who, it alleged, had also become disgruntled in the course of his duties.
The military said Mabonga would be arrested and brought before military justice to face the allegations against him.
The response follows a series of claims reportedly circulated by Mabonga on social media, targeting the UPDF, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the President of Uganda.
PRESS STATEMENT
Kampala, Thursday October 1, 2026
Response to Criminal Allegations Attributed to Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga of the UPDF
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has taken note of serious criminal allegations made on social media platforms against the…
— Chris Magezi (@ChrisOMagezi) October 1, 2026
