An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Munyonyo, killing a female suspect and the motorcycle rider with her. This event triggered the Uganda security scandal, raising alarms about corruption and false terror threats inside the military.
Authorities linked the attack to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group that has used IEDs since the 2010s. After Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), ordered a probe, the story grew more complex. Investigators also included another attack 19 days later, when security forces shot a woman at Kalerwe Market.
Security forces quickly identified the female bomber as Aisha Katushabe, known by other names such as Byaruhanga Sumaya and Kabonisa. They detained her in 2023 due to her links to the ADF. Intelligence revealed her husband, Muzafaru, died in 2021 during a failed attack on Lt Gen Paul Lokech’s funeral. Her father, Abdul Shakur, also carried out a suicide bombing at Kampala’s Central Police Station in 2021.
However, investigators uncovered a deeper story behind the Uganda security scandal. Several senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers face allegations of fabricating terror threats to secure larger budgets.
Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, Director of Counterterrorism in Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, Director of Special Operations at DIS, stand among those flagged. Both officers earned strong track records. Lt Col Byaruhanga led successful disarmament missions in Karamoja, a troubled region. He earned a critical role overseeing sensitive intelligence missions due to his achievements.
However, sources say these officers manipulated intelligence. They staged fake attacks to increase counter-terrorism funding. Their actions worsened the Uganda security scandal and prioritized money over security.
The investigation suggests collusion between current and former DIS commanders and criminal networks. These groups fabricated terror threats and manipulated public fear to obtain extra funds. This scandal shattered public trust in Uganda’s military and revealed major weaknesses in intelligence management.
In response, Gen Muhoozi formed a task force to investigate. The team includes Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, CID Director AIGP Tom Magambo, Internal Security Organisation Director General Arthur Mugyenyi, and External Security Organisation head Joseph Ocwet. It also includes Maj Gen Christopher Ddamulira, head of Police Crime Intelligence, and Col Ddamulira Sseruyange from the Special Forces Command. They hold full authority to examine finances, communications, and operations linked to the scandal.
Maj Gen James Birungi recently left his post as Mountain Infantry Division commander after only two months. He now serves as Uganda’s military attaché in Burundi. His close ties to Col Ahimbisibwe and Lt Col Byaruhanga drew further attention during the scandal.
A senior UPDF officer confirmed the case’s seriousness, saying, “Leave our Colonel to rest in prison. Don’t expose him more because he is already damaged. They were arrested and the case has merit.”
The military now faces a tough challenge. Leaders must restore public trust and fix internal flaws. The Uganda security scandal highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and discipline. Intelligence secrecy remains vital, but it cannot hide corruption and wrongdoing.
This case shows that real security depends on integrity as much as firepower. So far, the UPDF has not issued an official statement despite promises from Col Deo Akiiki to provide updates.
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