The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has issued a comprehensive statement clarifying events surrounding the recent arrest of three of its officers in Buhweju District, following what has now been confirmed to be a case of mistaken identity, misinformation, and political mischief.
On 16th July 2025, Lt Col (Rtd) James Tumusime, Lt Robert Ssebuya and Staff Sergeant Chandiga Geoffrey were apprehended by the Uganda Police Force in Buhweju on allegations of violence and political interference.
However, a thorough internal investigation by the UPDF has since dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
According to Major Kiconco Tabaro, Public Information Officer of the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, initial findings confirm that the three officers were indeed arrested.
But contrary to the circulating allegations, none of them was involved in violence or any political activity.
Events leading to the arrest began when Lt Col (Rtd) Tumusime visited his longtime friend, Hon. John Bosco Karisa. On his way back to Rukungiri, Tumusime’s vehicle developed mechanical problems in Buhweju.
He contacted Lt Ssebuya for assistance, who delivered a spare clutch plate and repaired the vehicle. While attempting to leave the area, they were confronted by unidentified individuals who blocked their vehicle from both ends of the road.
Feeling threatened, Tumusime contacted the District Police Commander (DPC) of Buhweju to intervene. However, instead of assisting them, the responding police officers arrested Tumusime and Ssebuya.
Hon. Karisa, upon being informed, dispatched his driver, Staff Sergeant Chandiga Geoffrey, who was also detained upon arrival.
All three were held at Buhweju Central Police Station before being taken into UPDF custody for further investigation. The retired Lt Col Tumusime was released unconditionally on 18th July after being cleared of any wrongdoing. His colleagues have also since regained their freedom.
“The truth is now clear: these soldiers were not involved in any political interference or violence,” said Maj. Tabaro. “The incident was distorted and politicised by individuals with unclear motives. Those who were wrongfully painted as perpetrators were, in fact, victims of a staged confrontation.”
The UPDF has condemned what it describes as a deliberate smear campaign targeting military personnel for political mileage.
“This misuse of security concerns for political gain is unacceptable,” Maj. Tabaro emphasized, adding that investigations will continue to identify the individuals responsible for the misinformation.
As the UPDF distances itself from the false claims, it has called for the public and political actors to avoid dragging the institution into partisan conflicts.
“We remain a professional force, and our officers are bound by law and discipline. Any attempts to distort this must be rejected,” the statement concludes.
The clarification seeks to restore the reputation of the officers involved and underscore the UPDF’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and non-partisan service to the nation.
