20-year-old arrested for impersonating UPDF, social media threats

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Police on Thursday, January 8, 2026, arrested a 20-year-old man, Ivan Musana, following the circulation of a video on social media in which he is seen wearing what appeared to be a military jacket and purportedly making inciting statements.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said that preliminary investigations have established that the suspect, Musana, is not a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

“Findings further indicate that the suspect falsely presented himself as a UPDF officer while recording the video, which was later uploaded to TikTok. He was tracked down and arrested in Bukedea district and is currently detained at Kawempe Police Station as investigations continue,” Kawala said.

She added that the case file will be forwarded to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for legal review and advice.

“As the country approaches the General Elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, the Police remind the public to use social media responsibly. Content that may constitute threats, hate speech, or impersonation of security personnel is punishable under the law and may result in prosecution,” Kawala stated.

Impersonation is a serious offence in Uganda.

In September last year, the UPDF arrested three men accused of impersonation, forgery and kidnap.

The suspects, led by Shaban Mugwanya, had been masquerading as army officers, with Mugwanya introducing himself as a “Major”. He had acquired a military uniform complete with a Major’s insignia.

Those arrested included Mugwanya, who UPDF Director of Defence Public Information Major General Felix Kulayigye identified as the ringleader, Patrick Mpanga, and Peter Kyamanywa.

Kulayigye said Mugwanya was arrested in Kyengera while dressed in ceremonial military attire.

At the time of his arrest, Mugwanya was found in possession of a dummy pistol and a fake UPDF identity card.

Kulayigye revealed that Mugwanya and his accomplices, some of whom remain at large, had been involved in various crimes, including land fraud, extortion and related offences.

“When interrogated, Mugwanya confessed that he bought the military uniform for 150,000 Uganda shillings and the insignia for 60,000 shillings from a Taylor, only identified as Alex, at Cooper Complex in Kampala,” Kulayigye said.

Kulayigye added that Mugwanya, at times, introduced himself as a State House operative.

It is also alleged that Mugwanya worked with other individuals still under investigation, including Police Constable Benard Seremba, Corporal Moses Okirya and retired Major Jimmy Katende, who are believed to be security officers involved in land-related fraud.

The UPDF has warned the public to remain vigilant against such fraudsters and pledged to pursue the remaining suspects so they can be prosecuted for the offences committed.