UPDF arrests fake “major” over kidnapping, forgery, and impersonation

29 September 2025, 6:26 pm

By Kyeyune Ali

Today, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, the spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), Major General Felix Kulayigye, confirmed the arrest of Mr Mugwanya Shaban, alias “Major Shaban,” who is currently in UPDF custody over credible allegations of serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, impersonation, and forgery.

Mr Mugwanya, who claims to be a businessman involved in cattle trading, was apprehended on 27 August 2025 at Shell Fuel Station in Kyengera, Wakiso District. At the time of his arrest, he was dressed in a UPDF green ceremonial uniform, adorned with forged insignia purporting to represent the rank of Major.

A search during the arrest led to the recovery of a dummy pistol and a forged UPDF identification card bearing the details “RO/01232 Major Shaban Mugwanya.” He later admitted to masquerading as a UPDF senior officer since February 2024 and confessed to involvement in unlawful activities, including illegal arrests, debt recovery, and land-related dealings for personal gain.

Investigations further revealed that in August 2025, Mr Mugwanya, together with Mpanga Brennan Patrick, Kyamanya Peter, and an individual identified as “Capt Ivan,” kidnapped Mzee Spelito Mubiru from Luwero District. Mugwanya confessed that the act was carried out on the instructions of one Nalwoga Sharon, who allegedly paid three million shillings to “Capt Ivan” to facilitate the abduction. The victim was unlawfully detained for two days.

Maj Gen Kulayigye stressed that the UPDF categorically confirms Mr Mugwanya has never been a member of the force, stating:

“Impersonation of military personnel undermines the credibility of the UPDF, endangers public safety, and threatens national security at large.”

He urged the public to exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to be security officers, to always verify credentials before engaging with them, and to report any impersonators or suspicious persons to the nearest police station or UPDF unit. Citizens were further advised to refrain from participating in unlawful activities orchestrated by those falsely claiming military authority.

Mugwanya also revealed that he purchased the UPDF green ceremonial uniform for Shs 150,000 and Major’s insignia for Shs 60,000 from a tailor named Alex at Cooper Complex in Kampala. The same tailor allegedly produced the forged UPDF ID card at a cost of Shs 40,000. These items were used to falsely confer upon him military authority.

The UPDF reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining discipline within and outside the force, and protecting the people of Uganda from all forms of criminality.