UPDF – KMAUPDATES

Aug32020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: Ugandan troops delay to return from Somalia due to the virus pandemic

The current Coronavirus pandemic has delayed the return of Ugandan troops from Somalia, Brig. Richard Otto, the contingent commander for the UPDF AMISOM has said. Following the outbreak of the pandemic, several countries closed their airspace and according to Brig.Otto, Sector One has put on hold the rotation of its troops both in and out of the mission area. “I have troops who were supposed to rotate out but have not because of this situation. Most of the countries have restricted their airspaces and border posts, but this is aimed at protecting and controlling the spread of the disease from other countries,” Brig.Otto said. “My troops have been informed and they are aware. It has not affected their morale.” UPDF in Somali controls the largest area because the Ugandan troops ...

Aug12020 by KATENDE SHARIFNo Comments

UPDF names Brig. Gen. Byekwaso the new army spokesperson

AFRICA

Kampala, Uganda ---The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) has appointed Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso as the new army Spokesperson replacing Brig. Richard Karemire who has been assigned to EAC Secretariat as Defense Liaison Officer. Brig. Gen. Byekwaso is a military officer, who serves as an elected member of parliament representing UPDF in the 10th Parliament (2016–2021). She was born on 29 December 1971, in the Central Region of Uganda. She attended St. Mathias Kalemba Senior Secondary School, in Nazigo, Kayunga District, for both her O-Level and A-Level studies. Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso, The new Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) the new army Spokesperson. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/ KMA Updates. Her first degree, a Bachelor of Business Administration, was awarded by Maker...

Jul92020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: Invaders Murder UPDF soldier, take off with his gun.

AFRICA, UGANDA

Security operatives have mounted a hunt for attackers who killed a UPDF soldier in Mubende District. The assailants stole a gun from Cpl Godfrey Turyaheebwa who was attached to Mubende Military Rehabilitation Centre on Tuesday. Turyaheebwa died at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital on Wednesday night where he was rushed after the attack. Mubende Resident District Commissioner, Ms Mary Nyakwera Baguma who doubles as the District Security Committee chairperson, said that Turyaheebwa was attacked inside the barracks. Mr Francis Kibuuka, the district chairman said the soldier was hit with a blunt object.

Jul82020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

SECURITY: UPDF speaks on LDU personnel who assaulted Mityana LC5 chairman

AFRICA, UGANDA

The UPDF has apologized over an incident in which Mityana LC5 chairman, Joseph Luzige was assaulted by Local Defence Unit personnel while enforcing the presidential guidelines on Coronavirus. In an unprecedented manner on Tuesday evening, a group of four LDU personnel were captured shoving the Mityana district LC5 chairman as he tried to explain something to them. In the recording, the men armed with both guns and sticks are seen walking away with Luzige as locals gathered to watch what was happening. Luzige later said that he was shoved for intervening as the LDU personnel beat up a woman as they enforced presidential directive on Coronavirus. However, according to the army spokesperson, Brig.Richard Karemire, it was an unfortunate incident as a patrol squad on routine duty i...

Jul22020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

BREAKING: Another UPDF General passes on

AFRICA, UGANDA, updf

RUKUNGIRI — Brig Gen. Victor Maregano Twesigye, Uganda’s Defence attaché to the India has died. Tge Uganda People’s Defense Forces —UPDF sources, without giving details of his death have confirmed the news on Thursday July 2 morning. UPDF Deputy Spokesperson, Lt. Col Deo Akiiki says the Brig Twesigye died on Thursday morning. He said the UPDF will issue a statement on the same. “It is very true. You know we have lost two Generals this week! It is very very painful,” Lt. Col. Akiiki said on phone. Brig Twesigye has served in New Delhi since 2016. Unconfirmed sources say he died from Nyarushanje Kisiizi Rukungiri after he slid in the bathroom and died instantly on Thursday. “He went to the village yesterday and this morning he slid in the bathroom while bathing and died in...

Jul12020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: UPDF soldier sentenced to 35 years in jail after killing lay preacher.

AFRICA, UGANDA

A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier who shot and killed a lay reader riding on motorcycle with his wife in Kasese District last week has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after the army court found him guilty of murder.Pte Abraham Lokwap was Tuesday convicted by the Mountain Division court martial sitting for the second day in Kasese District on his own plea of guilty for the murder of Benon Nsimenta attached to Kogore COU (Anglican) under the South Ruwenzori diocese. His commander Lt. Talent Akampurira was sentenced to 12 months.The court chairman, Col. Felix Nyero who presided over the trial said Pte Lokwap will serve his sentence at Mubuku government prison in Kasese District while Lt. Akampurira will be incarcerated at Makindye barracks.However, Pte Jackson Nyero and...

Jun302020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: Four UPDF soldiers accounted for executing Benon Nsimenta.

AFRICA, UGANDA

Four Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have been charged with the murder of Benon Nsimenta, a lay reader who was shot dead in the wee hours of June 24 at Hima in Kasese District in western Uganda.Nsimenta’s widow,On June 24 Allen Musimenta said she was with her husband on a motorcycle at around at around 7am heading to the garden in Kanamba village in Karusandara sub-county when they met soldiers at Karungibati along Hima-Kasese road, one of whom shot her husband at close range. The four soldiers identified as Pte Abraham Lokwap, Pte Jackson Nyero, Pte Joel Otim and Lt. Talent Akampurira, all attached to the 6th Mountain Brigade Battalion (Hima, Kasese) were on Monday arraigned before the Mountain Division of the court martial chaired by Col. Felix Nyero at Karusandara in...

Jun262020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: Widow of fallen lay reader disputes army’s version of events .

AFRICA, UGANDA

The widow of Benon Musimenta who was shot dead by a UPDF soldier has refuted the army’s version suggesting that he was killed by a stray bullet. Musimenta a lay reader attached to Kigore archdeaconry under South Rwenzori Diocese, Kasese was shot dead on Wednesday at Karungibate, Hima town council. Musimenta who was riding a motorcycle with his wife, Allen Musimenta, was killed while heading to the garden in Kanamba village, Karusandara sub-county. The UPDF spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire on Wednesday said that the deceased was shot by a stray bullet which was fired by soldiers who were chasing armed robbers in the area. On Thursday, the army issued a statement indicating that two UPDF soldiers had been arrested in connection with the shooting. They include Lt Talen...

Jun252020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: UPDF commander plus soldier who shot lay man dead arrested.

AFRICA, CRIME, UGANDA

A Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) commander and the soldier who shot the Church lay reader in Kasese District in western Uganda have been arrested. UPDF spokesperson Brig Richard Karemiire Thursday that the duo were arrested on Wednesday and will appear in the military court as soon as investigations are complete. "The UPDF highly regrets the incident and extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family," Mr Karemiire tweeted. Benon Nsimenta who has been a lay reader at Kogere Archdeaconry, South Rwenzori, was shot dead at around 6.00am on Wednesday at Karungibate in Hima town council. The widow Ms Allen Musimenta, said that she was riding with her husband on a motorcycle heading to the garden in Kanamba village, Karusandara sub-county in Kasese Distri...

Jun32020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: Four shot dead in a cattle raid attempt, Kaabong District.

AFRICA, CRIME, KENYA, UGANDA

KAABONG – At least four Kenyan Turkana pastoralists have been killed in the fight with the UPDF soldiers in Kaabong district. While addressing journalists on Wednesday morning at the division headquarters in Moroto, Major Peter Mugisa, the UPDF 3rd division Spokesperson said the raiders were killed on Tuesday, June 2 at 11pm as they attempted the steal animals in one of the protected kraals in Kamion Sub County in Kaabong district. He said the army failed the raid and one gun was recovered from the rustlers. “We had got intelligence information about their coming to raid animals in Kamion, so they came knowing the UPDF was not aware of their coming, they reached near the kraal but after noticing that UPDF had taken cover one of them shot one bullet which did not get our solider prom...

Jun12020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

AFRICA: UPDF shoots dead four South Sudanese soldiers for illegally crossing into Uganda

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, SOUTH SUDAN, UGANDA, updf

KAMPALA – Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership says four Sudanese People Liberation Army soldiers have been shot dead in a clash with the UPDF in Moyo district, north of the country. Ugandan army says South Sudanese national forces illegally crossed into Ugandan territory in total violation of the law and declined to follow instructions when confronted. UPDF Spokesman Brig Richard Karemire says the soldiers have dressed in civilian uniform apart from one who had uniform “but were all armed and walked about 1.5 Kms into Uganda until they were spotted at Goboro by UPDF officers.” “When stopped, they refused to follow orders, the UPDF soldiers guarding the border opened fire killing 04 instantly,” Karemire says. “The rest ran and crossed back to the other s...

May292020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

UGANDA: Drunkards beat senior UPDF commander into coma

AFRICA, CRIME, UGANDA, updf

KYANKWANZI — A group of ‘drunkards’ at Gala Trading Centre in Kyankwanzi District attacked and badly clobbered a senior Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officer at the rank of a Major into coma. Army spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire says Maj Robert Nkwasibwe who until now is in hospital was commanding a joint UPDF/Police Patrol operation during curfew hours. ‘He was on a joint UPDF/Police patrol attacked at Gala Trading Centre by people in bars during curfew hours,” Brig Karemire says. The group in total violation of the law, allegedly came behind Maj Nkwasibwe and hit him with an object from behind, forcing him to helplessly fall onto his back unconsciously. He was rushed to Hoima Referral hospital where his is being addressed. The army has since arrested over 10 pe...

Mar102020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: Policeman detained after shooting UPDF soldier.

AFRICA, CRIME, UGANDA, Uganda Police Force, updf

The police in Rukiga District are investigating the shooting of a UPDF soldier allegedly by a police officer.The soldier who was shot in the leg, is attached to the 2nd Division in Mbarara District, while the alleged shooter is a cop at Kamwezi Police Station in Rukiga District.Mr Elly Maate, the police spokesman in Kigezi region identified the soldier as Sgt David Mperize while the suspected shooter is Constable Alex Twongyeirwe. Mr Maate said that on Saturday night, while at Akampurira’s Bar at Kabirizi Cell, Kigara Parish Kamwezi Sub- county, the two developed a quarrel over a woman who was in their company.He said that the policeman has been arrested and is being interrogated over a crime of attempted murder.He said that a gun with 29 rounds of live ammunition was recovered a...

Mar102020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: ‘Former Fighters Ordered the Attack on Zombo Detach’ – Says Army.

AFRICA, UGANDA, updf

The UPDF has said some of the people behind the attack on a detach in Zombo were former fighters who had been given amnesty by government. On Thursday night, a group of unknown civilians wielding machetes, bows and arrows attacked Oduk UPDF detach in Zombo town council in Zombo district killing three soldiers and stole some guns before the army retaliated and pursued the attackers. According to the deputy army spokesperson, Lt.Col.Deo Akiiki, the group totaling about 80 in number mostly from Paidha, Nyapea,Zeu, Zaale, Songoli and Atyak was “misled” by Congolese elements seeking guns to use for economic activities in Eastern Congo. “The assailants were mobilized by some group who were recently given amnesty by government including one Ovoya, a witchdoctor and other ring...

Mar72020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: Machete gang strikes UPDF, 18 were killed, 16 arrested.

AFRICA, UGANDA, updf

A total of 18 people, including three UPDF soldiers, have been killed and 16 others arrested after an unknown gang tried to attack an army detach in Zombo on Thursday night. The incident, according to sources, happened when a large group of people armed with machetes, arrows and bows attacked a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) detach at Odic village, Abide West Ward in Zombo town council. “They killed three soldiers, injured two others and burnt huts. They also took some guns,” the source told the Nile Post. According to the UPDF 4th division spokesperson, Maj.Ceasar Otim Olweny, the gang tried to retreat towards the DRC border. “It is true it happened yesterday night. Some gangs of criminals attacked our detachment in Zombo but we could not establish the number be...

Jan312020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: UPDF Mourns Crashed Jet Pilots Maj Karungi, Cadet Wakalu.

AFRICA, UGANDA, updf

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Gen David Muhoozi has on behalf of the Force paid tribute to the two Defence Air Forces’ pilots who died when their Jet Ranger crashed during a training mission on Tuesday. The CDF hailed the fallen pilots for their selfless service to the UPDF and the nation at large. He was addressing mourners during a requiem service for the Late Major Naomi Karungi at Church of the Resurrection, Bugolobi in Kampala on Thursday. Gen Muhoozi also trashed rumours that inexperienced Pilot Karungi could be reason the Jet crashed at Ndeese Hill in Butambala district. “Karungi, a soldier of Christ, was a well trained and experienced lady pilot of the UPDF who was rightly placed in a specialty of her passion. The UP...

Jan292020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: Cabinet to investigate UPDF alleged torture on lakes.

AFRICA, UGANDA

The Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Adolf Mwesige has revealed that cabinet has set up a committee to investigate torture claims brought against the army meted on residents within fishing communities across the country as well as study the resolution of Parliament to suspend all operations of UPDF fisheries protection unit on major water bodies. Mwesige made the revelation during the Tuesday’s plenary sitting in which he said that cabinet was considering Parliament’s resolutions and resolved to set up a committee chaired by Minister of State for Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama to study the resolution. Explaining the scope of work for the Committee, Minister Mwesige said that the Cabinet Committee was also directed to study all the complaints raised against the UPDF fi...

Jan292020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: The Vice President of Uganda Edward Ssekandi praises UPDF for promoting peace, security.

AFRICA, UGANDA

The Vice President, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, has applauded the good work done by the country’s defence force in keeping peace here and at regional level. Ssekandi made the remarks during the launch of the activities to commemorate the Defence forces week and the 39th anniversary of Tarehe Sita, at the Military barracks in Mbuya. The celebrations will be held in the greater Luwero district under the theme “Consolidating the UPDF strategic partnership with the people to guard the gains of liberation”. He also praised the force’s flexibility in responding to any kind of mission called upon by the continental and regional bodies. “I take this opportunity to salute the gallant officers and men of the UPDF for not guaranteeing peace and security within our borders but in a...

Jan282020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: Tarehe Sita celebration, UPDF receives over 700,000 mosquito nets.

UGANDA, updf

Ministry of Health has handed over 700,000 “Long Lasting Insecticide-treated” mosquito nets to Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) as part of the efforts to control Malaria among the UPDF community. The nets will be distributed during the 39th Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6, 2020. The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine who presided over the handover of nets appreciated the support from UPDF towards improving service delivery in the health sector. “I want to appreciate the work you are doing, especially during emergencies. During the Measles and Rubella campaign, you helped us airlift our vaccines. May God bless UPDF,” she said. The Ministry of Health is yet to roll out the third Universal Coverage Campaign for the distribution of Mosquito nets w...

Jan252020 by ShafiqNo Comments

UGANDA: UPDF Air Force gets new deputy commander.

AFRICA, UGANDA

Brig Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime has on Friday January 24 taken over the Office of Deputy Commander Air Forces (D/CAF) from the outgoing Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi. The handover and take over ceremony held at the Air Forces Headquarters, Entebbe was officiated by the Deputy Chief Defence Forces (D/CDF), Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi. The D/CDF hailed Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi for his selfless service to the Force and the nation at large. He urged the incoming D/CAF to emulate the work proficiency of Maj Gen Mugyenyi to ensure effective running of the Air Forces that he referred to as a critical arm in the maintenance of Uganda’s security. “We rely on you for the safety of our air space. You are the protective ‘wings’ of the nation,” said Lt Gen Mbadi. The D/CDF stressed the need...