UPDF closes records office, orders probe

By Emmy Allioand Frederick KiwanukaTHE army yesterday closed its Records Department at the Army Headquarters in Bombo and ordered immediate investigations into alleged fraud.The army has also imposed sanctions on the UPDF Director of Records, Major Steven Kananura and suspended the entire staff in the office. Military Police personnel yesterday surrounded the offices, sources said.The closure was ordered by the Acting Chief of Staff, Brig. Nakabus Lakara. Sources said a probe team would be announced today.“The closure is for the purpose of internal re-organisation. These are administrative measures,” assistant Chief of Staff, Col. Fred Tolit said.But army spokesman Major Shaban Bantariza said, “Records are very contentious in the army. The entire staff of the Records Department appear to have been suspended.”The closure took place just months after former Director of Records Major Sabiiti Mutengesa was suspended. Mutengesa, currently living in the UK alleged that some top army officers were threatening his life. The army denied his claims.After Sabiiti left, the entire staff that worked under him were swept out and a new team under Kanaura’s directorship were brought in.Sources said there were allegations of the existence of ghost soldiers.