Man arrested for impersonating UPDF officer

A joint operation involving the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police led to the arrest of an army impersonator in the Abayita Babiri area on Entebbe Road.

The suspect, identified as Zainudine Kanyarutokye, had been falsely claiming to be a UPDF General.

The arrest followed a tip-off from Kanyarutokye's landlord, who reported him to authorities after he refused to pay rent and threatened the landlord, claiming his status as a high-ranking army officer.

Upon searching the suspect's residence, authorities recovered various military items, including six pairs of army boots, military documents, two forged stamps purportedly belonging to the Ministry of Defence/UPDF Spokesperson, a toy pistol, an army-style jacket, photos of the suspect in military uniform, caps, 39 mobile phones, and several other items.

The suspect is currently being held at Entebbe Central Police Station (CPS) as investigations continue.

Once investigations are complete, he will be transferred to the UPDF 1st Division Headquarters in Kakiri, where he will face charges related to the illegal possession of military stores under section 161 of the UPDF Act, 2005.

"We urge members of the public to report any military impersonators in their vicinity who are in possession of military stores," said Major Charles Kabona, publicist of the First Infantry Division.