The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has said it is pursuing Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga, a former junior intelligence officer, over alleged desertion, extortion and fraudulent land transactions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Col Chris Magezi, the acting Director of Defence Public Information, said Lt Mabonga was transferred from the Chieftancy of Defence Intelligence and Security to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal in April 2026.
However, according to Col Magezi, the officer did not report to his new duty station and was subsequently declared absent without official leave (AWOL) before his status was upgraded to desertion.
“Eventually, his AWOL status was upgraded to desertion, and he has been on the run since,” Col Magezi said.
The statement follows allegations attributed to Lt Mabonga and circulated on social media platforms against the UPDF, the Chief of Defence Forces and the President.
Col Magezi dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated, saying they contained alleged forgeries, doctored images and fabricated material.
He further alleged that Lt Mabonga is wanted over extortion of money from business groups and individuals in Kampala and elsewhere, as well as alleged involvement in fraudulent land transactions and forgery of land titles.
The UPDF said Lt Mabonga would be arrested and face military justice.
The statement did not provide details of when or where the alleged offences were committed, nor did it indicate whether formal charges had been filed against him.
Col Magezi said the UPDF remains aware of the allegations circulating on social media and would deal with the matter through the appropriate legal and military processes.
