Kampala — Security agencies have arrested a 20-year-old man accused of impersonating a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer and making inciting statements in a video circulated on social media, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala has confirmed.
Ivan Musana was apprehended following the circulation of a video in which he is seen wearing a military jacket and making statements deemed provocative and capable of causing public unrest.
“Security agencies have apprehended Ivan Musana, a 20-year-old male, following the circulation of a video on social media in which he is seen wearing a military jacket and making inciting statements,” Kawala said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Musana is not a member of the UPDF. Police confirmed that he falsely presented himself as a military officer while recording the video, which was later uploaded to the social media platform TikTok.
“Findings further indicate that the suspect falsely presented himself as a UPDF officer while recording the video, which was later uploaded to TikTok,” Kawala added.
Musana was traced to Bukedea District, where he was apprehended, and is currently detained at Kawempe Police Station as investigations continue.
Police said his case file will be forwarded to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for legal review and guidance on further prosecution.
With Uganda preparing for the General Elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, police have cautioned the public against irresponsible use of social media.
They emphasized that content constituting threats, hate speech, or impersonation of security personnel is punishable under the law.
“Content that may constitute threats, hate speech, or impersonation of security personnel is punishable under the law and may result in prosecution,” Kawala warned, stressing that enforcement will be heightened during the election period to maintain public order and security.
Security analysts have noted that the misuse of social media platforms, particularly during election periods, poses significant risks to public safety and the integrity of the electoral process.
Police say early intervention in cases such as Musana’s is crucial to preventing the spread of misinformation and potential escalation into violence.
Police spokesperson Kawala urged the public to verify information before sharing it online and to report suspicious activity to the authorities.
“The public plays a key role in ensuring that social media is not used to incite violence or impersonate security officers,” she said.
The arrest of Musana underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to the law as the country approaches one of its most closely watched electoral exercises in recent years.
Authorities have repeatedly reminded citizens that election-related offences, including incitement, impersonation, and spreading misinformation, carry legal consequences.
Musana’s case will now proceed under sections of the law that deal with impersonation of security personnel, incitement to violence, and dissemination of provocative content.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine whether any other individuals were involved in the creation or distribution of the video.
As the election date approaches, law enforcement agencies have pledged to continue monitoring social media platforms closely, aiming to prevent incidents that could compromise public order.
Officials have emphasized that a peaceful and secure electoral process is a shared responsibility between security agencies, political stakeholders, and the general public.
