Journalist Andrew Mwenda: UPDF Communications Chief Arrested Over $300,000 Bribe from SADC Country

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has intensified efforts to root out corruption within the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ministry of Defence.

According to veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, General Muhoozi has taken decisive action against individuals engaging in corrupt activities.

In a statement shared on social media, Mwenda revealed that the UPDF recently arrested its Chief of Communications and IT (CCIT) over allegations of espionage and financial misconduct.

The officer in question was accused of receiving $300,000 from a Southern African Development Community (SADC) country in exchange for monitoring UPDF communications. Following his arrest, the officer reportedly returned the entire sum to the army.

"Been talking to the CDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, about his struggle to clean up corruption in UPDF and the ministry of defense generally. He would like to inform Ugandans that the army arrested the Chief of Communications and IT (CCIT) of UPDF because he had been paid $300,000 by a SADC country to monitor army communications. After his arrest, he paid all the money back to UPDF," Journalist Andrew Mwenda said on X.

The revelation highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption within Uganda’s security forces and the measures being implemented to curb them.

The UPDF has not officially commented on the matter, but this development shows the increasing focus on accountability within the armed forces.