The arrest of two high-ranking officers in Uganda’s military has sparked widespread attention and concern. Major General Don William Nabasa and Brigadier General Johnson Namanya Abaho were detained at the Kasenyi military facility following orders from the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. While the arrests are confirmed, the reasons behind this sudden move have not yet been made public, leaving many questions unanswered.
Maj Gen Nabasa is a well-known figure within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He currently serves as the Joint Staff Policy and Strategy head, a role he took on in early 2025. Before that, he led the Third Infantry Division in Moroto, where he gained significant experience in military operations. On the other hand, Brig Gen Namanya recently served as the Commissioner of Citizenship and Passport Management under Uganda’s immigration department before being recalled last month. Both men have held influential positions, making their detention even more surprising.
This development appears to be part of a broader effort by Gen Muhoozi to strengthen discipline and accountability within the military. In recent weeks, there have been other major changes, including the removal of senior intelligence officials. These actions suggest a firm approach by the military leadership to address internal issues and maintain order within the ranks.
Even though the UPDF has not released an official statement explaining the arrests, Gen Muhoozi has repeatedly spoken about the importance of professionalism and integrity in the armed forces. His actions seem to reflect a determination to enforce these values, regardless of rank or position. However, without clear information, speculation continues to grow among the public and observers.
The arrests could have a lasting impact on the leadership structure of the UPDF and may influence how the military handles governance and internal discipline moving forward. As Uganda continues its efforts to reform and improve its armed forces, this incident highlights both the challenges and the seriousness of those efforts. For now, all eyes remain on the military as people await further details about what led to such a dramatic decision.
