The number of Ugandan army officers arrested in connection with recent bomb threats in Kampala has now reached eight, according to security sources.
These officers are from the Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), the military unit responsible for handling intelligence and security operations.
Earlier this week, it was reported that two senior officers had been arrested over suspected subversion, which means acting against the army’s interests.
But now, it has been confirmed that six more officers have also been detained at Mbuya Military Headquarters, which is the main base of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Kampala.
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the army spokesperson, confirmed that the arrests were made due to actions that went against military rules. However, he refused to name the officers or give more details. He said simply that the arrests were due to “conduct contrary to professional standards.”
The arrests are believed to be connected to investigations into two female suicide bombers who were reportedly killed by the army in Kampala. Security sources say there is now growing concern that some officers may have faked the bomb threats in order to get more funding for counter-terrorism operations.
Sources claim that a group inside the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), which is part of DIS, may have staged fake terror incidents to justify their requests for operational money.
Some reports also suggest that the JATT may have been infiltrated by the ADF—a rebel group linked to many past terror attacks in Uganda and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
While the army denies these specific claims, other senior officials have said that internal corruption will not be tolerated, especially when dealing with serious threats like those from the ADF.
Police and army leaders have urged the public to stay calm but alert. They are still investigating the bomb incidents and checking whether the suspects were genuine terrorists or victims of a fabricated operation.
The arrest of eight UPDF officers marks a major moment in Uganda’s security efforts. It shows that the army is taking the matter seriously and wants to protect the integrity of its operations.
More updates are expected as the investigations continue.
