The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has shocked many after revealing that some top army officers and officials from the Ministry of Defence are currently living in serious financial trouble. According to Gen Muhoozi, some of these officers have started selling off their personal properties just to survive.
Gen Muhoozi, who is also the First Son of President Yoweri Museveni, made this revelation through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In his message, he said that some of these individuals had previously stolen money meant for soldiers’ food and clothing. He added that they are now selling off the properties they acquired through corruption in order to maintain their lavish lifestyles.
“I have heard from credible sources that some individuals in UPDF and the Ministry of Defence who previously stole soldiers’ food and clothing allowances are now selling off properties acquired through theft to fund their extravagant lifestyles,” Gen Muhoozi stated.
Since taking over the position of CDF from Gen Wilson Mbadi, Gen Muhoozi has vowed to fight corruption within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He has already made several changes within the army in an effort to clean up the system. He recently arrested Gen Ruheesi, accusing him of stealing fuel meant for UPDF operations.
According to sources within the army, Gen Muhoozi is determined to take strong action against any officer found involved in corruption. He has introduced a policy where any officer linked to corruption is immediately reshuffled while investigations take place. “If any officer is cited in any corruption saga, he or she is reshuffled pending investigations,” said a senior UPDF officer.
Before Gen Muhoozi became CDF, corruption in the army was said to be widespread. Many senior officers were reportedly untouchable because of their past roles in military operations. Junior officers were afraid to report them, fearing they would lose their jobs.
Gen Muhoozi’s tough stance has brought hope for change, and many are watching closely to see how he will deal with the deep-rooted corruption in the army. His efforts may mark the beginning of a new era of accountability and discipline in the UPDF.
