UPDF brands Lt. Mabonga a deserter, dismisses safehouse torture allegations

What the report says

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has rejected allegations made by junior officer Herbert Matanda Mabonga, who posted a long video on social media claiming the army operates secret detention sites and uses torture and enforced disappearances. The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that Mabonga said he previously served in military intelligence and released clips he said were recorded at a safehouse in Entebbe, near Abayita Ababiri, including footage he linked to opposition figures Sam Mugumya and Muwanga Kivumbi.

According to the report, Mabonga accused security agencies of holding and mistreating detainees, and said his conscience no longer allowed him to remain in service. The newspaper noted that the location, date and circumstances of the recordings could not be independently verified. It also said the material was shared on September 30, 2026.

In response, UPDF acting spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi said the claims were fabricated and described Mabonga as a deserter. The army said he had been transferred from defence intelligence to the Mountain Infantry Division in Fort Portal for reassignment in April 2026, but did not report and was later classified as absent without leave and then as a deserter. The UPDF also alleged that he faces other accusations, including extortion, fraudulent land dealings and forgery. The dispute is significant because it adds to long-running public concern over alleged unlawful detention and treatment of suspects in Uganda, although the article does not independently establish the claims made by either side.