Man wearing UPDF uniform arrested over impersonation
Omara, who works as a casual labourer at a store in the Jinja Camp area, was wearing a full UPDF combat outfit at the time of his arrest.
In his statement to police, Omara claimed he got the uniform from a friend, one Thomas Otim, who allegedly requested him to escort him to Angwetangwet to pick up his girlfriend.
By Hudson Apunyo
Journalists @New Vision
LIRA - Police in Lira City have launched investigations into a suspected case of military impersonation after a 25-year-old man was found dressed in a full Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniform late on Sunday night.
The suspect, Bruno Omara, was intercepted at around 11:00 p.m. on 4 August 2025, along Juba Road at Jinja Camp Cell, Barogole Ward, Lira City West Division, according to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga Region.
Omara, who works as a casual labourer at a store in the Jinja Camp area, was wearing a full UPDF combat outfit at the time of his arrest.
Alleged accomplice on the run
In his statement to police, Omara claimed he got the uniform from a friend, one Thomas Otim, who allegedly requested him to escort him to Angwetangwet to pick up his girlfriend.
Omara reportedly hesitated, saying all his clothes were dirty, but Otim allegedly insisted and took him to his house, where he handed him UPDF fatigues.
“Otim himself also dressed in a similar uniform, adding a military jacket on top,” Okema said.
The two later boarded a boda boda motor cycle heading towards Angwetangwet, but before they reached, a fast-moving vehicle abruptly blocked their motorcycle.
Two men emerged, one armed with an AK-47 rifle. Otim reportedly fled on foot while the boda boda rider sped away, leaving Omara behind. He was arrested on the spot and taken to Lira Army Barracks, then transferred to Lira-City Central Division Police Station the following day.
Ongoing investigations
Police suspect the incident may be part of a wider criminal scheme involving the misuse of military uniforms.
“We believe this might not be the first time these individuals have worn army uniforms to terrorise the community. We’ve had several reports of robberies by men dressed in military attire,” Okema noted.
Preliminary information suggests that Thomas Otim’s parents may be serving soldiers in the UPDF, reportedly attached to Bombo Military Barracks, though this remains unverified.
Efforts to trace and apprehend Otim are underway. Investigators are also working to confirm the identities and military status of his alleged parents.