By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)on Thursday, 2th June, 2025 established a high-level board of inquiry to investigate recent allegations surrounding bomb threats and attacks in Kampala, amid claims that some counterterrorism operatives may have fabricated incidents to secure operational funds.
The board is chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, and includes senior officials from Uganda’s top security agencies.
Among its members are Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, Arthur Mugyenyi, Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO); Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, Director General of the External Security Organisation (ESO); Maj Gen Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence; Brig Gen Tom Magambo, Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID); and Col Ddamulira Sseruyange, Special Forces Command (SFC) Counter Intelligence officer.
Security sources say the inquiry was prompted by growing concerns within the top military and police leadership over inconsistencies in recent bomb threat reports attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a designated terrorist organization operating in eastern DRC and linked to Islamic State.
Investigations have raised the possibility that certain individuals within the security apparatus may have exaggerated or even staged incidents to justify budgetary requests and access funds earmarked for counterterrorism operations.
“While the ADF remains a real and persistent threat, we cannot afford to allow internal systems to be compromised by self-interest,” said a senior military official familiar with the development, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“The integrity of our security institutions is paramount.”
The board is expected to review operational reports, communication logs, financial requisitions, and intelligence briefs related to the alleged bomb incidents over the past six months.
It will also interview key officials across police and military intelligence units.
The establishment of the board comes amid heightened public scrutiny of security incidents in Kampala suburbs following reported foiled attacks.
The UPDF spokesperson was unavailable for comment by press time, but insiders confirmed that the board has already commenced preliminary sittings at Mbuya military headquarters.
The findings of the inquiry will be submitted directly to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is said to have personally ordered the probe after internal audits flagged irregularities.
The investigation marks one of the most serious internal reviews of Uganda’s counterterrorism apparatus in recent years and could lead to sweeping disciplinary actions if wrongdoing is confirmed.
