The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed as fake a letter purportedly issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, directing the immediate revocation of a Supreme Court ruling and threatening judicial officials.
The letter, dated February 2, 2025, and allegedly signed by Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, claims that the military will not honour the Supreme Court ruling that upheld the Constitutional Court decision regarding a legal case.
The letter further threatens to arrest and court-martial individuals named in the ruling and warns Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo to reconsider his job.
The UPDF has dismissed the letter stating that it was fabricated and does not reflect the position of the institution.
“The document making rounds on social media alleging that the UPDF is defying the Supreme Court ruling is fake and should be ignored,” UPDF Spokesperson Felix Kulayigye stated.
He further urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid spreading falsehoods intended to create panic and discredit the UPDF’s commitment to constitutionalism.
Identifying Red Flags in the Fake Letter
A closer look at the letter reveals several inconsistencies that point to its inauthenticity:
Uncharacteristic Language: The tone of the letter is aggressive and unprofessional, unlike official UPDF communications, which adhere to diplomatic and formal language.
Questionable Directives: The UPDF does not have the mandate to override Supreme Court rulings or interfere with judicial processes.
E-signature Issue: While the letter carries an e-signature purportedly from Brig. Gen. Kulayigye, its placement and format do not match standard UPDF official correspondences.
Legal Inconsistencies: The directive contradicts Uganda’s constitutional provisions regarding judicial independence and military operations.
Verdict: FAKE
The purported letter directing the revocation of a Supreme Court ruling and making threats against judicial officials is a fabrication. The UPDF has disowned the document, reaffirming its respect for Uganda’s judicial independence.
