The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has arrested a fake UPDF soldier who had been evicting locals and grabbing their land in Kakiri town council, Wakiso district.
The imposter has been identified as Adams Ssentongo. He was found with pairs of UPDF uniforms, shoes, and different pips.
Major Charles Kabona, spokesperson for UPDF’s First Division, based in Kakiri, said they were compelled to search for Ssentongo after receiving numerous complaints from the public about a soldier threatening to take their land.
“We decided to search for this person who was tarnishing our image. The locals gave us tips on where to find him, and we caught him with uniforms, shoes, a fake pistol, and a walkie-talkie,” Kabona said.
Kabona further revealed that the suspect had been promoting himself, and by the time of his arrest, he had given himself the rank of Major General.
The suspect confessed that he had obtained the attire from a friend who is a soldier attached to Mbuya barracks.
During the interrogation of Ssentongo, another man, identified as Hannington Ssekandi, appeared, attempting to rescue Ssentongo. He claimed to be a soldier serving under the Internal Security Organization (ISO).
When UPDF officers asked for proof, he provided his alleged army number, which the soldiers doubted. He was also arrested alongside Ssentongo.
“We are now charging these two with impersonation and tarnishing our image. We will arraign them in the military court,” Kabona said.
