Gen Muhoozi Orders Release of Col Kasule After Arrest Over Mubende Gold Incident

KAMPALA — Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has weighed in on the ongoing arrest of Col James Kasule, calling for his immediate release as investigations into the Mubende gold deal incident continue.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Gen Muhoozi stated: “I hear that our Intelligence officers arrested Col. Kasule for something. He should immediately be released.”

The influential military figure added: “Col. Kasule is one of our old fighters. I know him very well. I shall deal with him myself.”

ChimpReportsNews on Sunday evening broke the news that Col Kasule, currently the 2nd Deputy Divisional Commander in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), had been arrested on Saturday after being linked to an incident in Mubende District involving the alleged abduction of a gold dealer.

Preliminary reports suggest that the gold dealer was allegedly forced to transfer funds via mobile money under duress, though full details remain under investigation.

Security sources earlier confirmed that an official military vehicle assigned to Col Kasule was recovered at the scene, prompting questions about the use of military assets in the alleged operation.

He is currently being held at Makindye Military Barracks pending further investigations.

Gen Muhoozi’s public intervention now introduces a new dimension to the unfolding case, underscoring internal sensitivities around the detention of a senior officer who has previously served in key operational roles, including commander of the UPDF Mountain Brigade and operations commander of Operation Shujaa in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

While UPDF officials have not issued a formal statement since the arrest, Gen Muhoozi’s remarks suggest that the matter may now be handled at higher levels of military authority.

His decision to personally take responsibility for addressing the issue reflects Col Kasule’s standing as a veteran within the UPDF ranks.

As of Monday afternoon, no formal charges had yet been filed against Col Kasule, and it remains unclear whether military prosecutors or other agencies will proceed with the case in light of Gen Muhoozi’s latest directive.