No Hiding in Uniform as Gen Muhoozi Nabs Top UPDF Officer for Corruption

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has escalated his war on corruption within the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) by ordering the arrest of Brigadier General Cyrus Besigye Bekunda, Chief of Joint Staff Engineering. The arrest, announced Monday, also includes other senior officers from the Engineers Brigade.

These arrests follow serious allegations of financial mismanagement and misuse of funds within the military's engineering division. Gen Muhoozi, through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressed outrage at the betrayal of UPDF values.

"Yesterday, I ordered the arrest of Brig Bekunda Besigye and other officers… They poisoned, contaminated, and desecrated a sacred principle… They received money and misused it!" Gen Muhoozi declared, emphasizing that their punishment should serve as a strong warning to others.

The CDF’s aggressive stance is part of a wider campaign to root out corruption from the armed forces. In February 2024, he raised similar concerns at the College of Logistics and Engineering in Magamaga, Jinja, during a retreat on resource management.

At the time, he warned that corruption and mismanagement hinder the army’s mission and endanger its personnel. “Anyone with selfish interests must reform or leave the UPDF before they are exposed,” he stated.

The arrest of a high-ranking officer sends a powerful message that accountability applies across all levels. Gen Muhoozi’s efforts aim to safeguard the army’s integrity and professionalism.

This development highlights UPDF’s commitment to transparency. Many now await further actions as the anti-corruption purge unfolds