Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has announced that several UPDF officers have been arrested for engaging in unauthorized communication with foreigners, locally referred to as “Bazungu.”
In a public statement, Gen. Muhoozi described such interactions as a serious breach of military protocol and warned that the act is punishable by imprisonment under Ugandan law.
He explained that officers in the UPDF are bound by strict codes of conduct, which include restrictions on communicating with foreign nationals without proper authorization from military command.
“This is not a trivial matter,” Gen. Muhoozi said. “Talking to outsiders without clearance jeopardizes national security and the integrity of the UPDF.”
According to Gen. Muhoozi, the arrests were part of a broader initiative to ensure that UPDF personnel adhere strictly to established operational and security protocols.
He emphasized that military discipline and confidentiality are critical to safeguarding the nation against potential espionage, infiltration, and security breaches.
The Commander noted that unauthorized communication with foreigners can be exploited for intelligence gathering against Uganda, posing significant risks to the army and national sovereignty.
Gen. Muhoozi clarified that the officers under investigation had allegedly shared sensitive information without proper clearance, highlighting that such acts undermine trust within the military hierarchy.
He stressed that the UPDF is committed to maintaining a professional and disciplined force capable of defending the country against internal and external threats.
“The UPDF will not tolerate breaches of protocol, whether intentional or negligent,” he said, adding that the arrests serve as a warning to all military personnel.
Experts in defense and security suggest that Gen. Muhoozi’s announcement signals a tightening of internal controls and monitoring within the UPDF to prevent information leaks.
The arrests also underscore Uganda’s zero-tolerance approach toward unauthorized foreign contacts, particularly given the rising complexity of regional and global security dynamics.
According to insiders, the investigations are ongoing, and the officers involved may face military tribunals in accordance with Uganda’s Defence Forces Act.
Gen. Muhoozi called on all UPDF personnel to strictly follow communication channels and report any contact with foreigners to their commanding officers immediately.
He reminded officers that even casual conversations or informal engagements with outsiders can have serious repercussions if they involve sensitive military or strategic information.
The Commander stressed that such vigilance is necessary to protect not only the integrity of the army but also national interests and the safety of Ugandans at home and abroad.
Observers note that the announcement comes at a time when the UPDF is increasingly involved in both domestic security operations and regional peacekeeping missions, where operational secrecy is paramount.
Gen. Muhoozi also emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of accountability within the UPDF, where every officer understands their responsibility in safeguarding classified information.
He warned that failure to comply with regulations could lead to disciplinary actions ranging from imprisonment to discharge from service, depending on the severity of the breach.
The statement concludes with a call for unity and adherence to military discipline, underscoring that the UPDF’s strength lies in its ability to operate cohesively and protect national security.
As the situation develops, the UPDF has assured the public that it remains vigilant and committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism, ensuring that breaches of protocol are promptly addressed.
