UPDF says deserter Mabonga wanted over alleged extortion, fraud

What the report says

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has rejected social media allegations attributed to Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga, saying the claims against the military leadership and President Yoweri Museveni are unsupported. In a statement issued Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, Col. Chris Magezi, the acting director of defence public information, said the army had seen circulating posts and described them as fabricated and doctored material.

According to the UPDF, Mabonga was previously attached to the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security and was later transferred in April 2026 to the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Portal for reassignment. The military said he did not report to the new station and was first marked absent without official leave before that status was upgraded to desertion. It said he has remained on the run since then.

Magezi also said the officer is wanted over separate allegations, including extortion involving business groups and individuals in Kampala and other areas, as well as fraudulent land transactions and the forgery of land titles. The UPDF said it views the matter as both disciplinary and criminal and expects he will be taken into custody and brought before military justice.

Watchdog Uganda reported that the army did not provide detailed evidence for the allegations against Mabonga or specify the social media claims it was responding to. The article also noted that he is presumed innocent unless the accusations are proven through the proper legal process.