Rogue Private’s Audacious Climb: UPDF Soldier Nabbed For Daring Impersonation As Major, Faces Storm Of Criminal Allegations

In a surprising turn of events, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced on Friday that they had apprehended one of their own soldiers, identified as Private Kyambadde, on charges of impersonation. The accused allegedly promoted himself to the rank of Major, masquerading as a senior officer within the UPDF.

The army made the revelation through their official social media handle, stating, “Private Kyambadde has been masquerading as a UPDF senior officer at the rank of Major. He is in our custody and will be answering to charges of impersonation and other activities prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the UPDF.”

Army spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye later disclosed to reporters that the suspect, Private Kyambadde, would be brought before a court of law to face charges related to his actions. Brig. Gen Kulayigye also mentioned that the soldier had been involved in criminal activities, although specific details were still under investigation.

“He has been masquerading as a Major, but I can’t tell when he started. The bottom line is we have him in our custody for that reason. I am told he has been involved in criminal activities, but we are still investigating,” stated Brig Gen Kulayigye on Friday.

This incident is not the first of its kind within the UPDF. Similar cases of impersonation have been reported in the past. In February of the previous year, police in Buyende District arrested a woman named Eunice Keinembabazi for posing as a Colonel. At the time of her arrest, Keinembabazi had allegedly swindled unsuspecting victims of about Shs15 million.

Additionally, in May 2022, a joint security operation in Rubaga Division, Kampala, led to the arrest of four individuals posing as UPDF officers. Their apprehension followed public outcry over a surge in night robberies involving individuals clad in military uniforms.

Brig. Gen Kulayigye acknowledged the recurring nature of such cases within the armed forces. He stated, “While the cases keep coming up, there is not much the UPDF can do to contain them, beyond charging the suspects before court. What is being done is that whoever errs, we punish according to the law.”

As Private Kyambadde awaits his court appearance, the UPDF continues its efforts to maintain discipline and integrity within its ranks.