A soldier with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is in trouble for allegedly promoting himself to the rank of Major and masquerading as such. Ugandan Soldier Arrested for Promoting Himself to Rank of Major, Masquerading as One Kyambadde, who currently holds the rank of Private, is in custody for impersonation. UPDF shared the information on Twitter, adding that the soldier will be answering charges of impersonation and other activities prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the UPDF. Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen Felix Kulayigye, told The Monitor that it was impossible to tell when he started. “The bottom line is we have him in our custody for that reason. I am told he has been involved in criminal activities, but we are still investigating,” Brig Gen Kulayigye said. Details indicate that Pte Kyambandde is not the first soldier to impersonate a senior, as similar cases have occurred in the Armed Forces. In February 2023, a woman identified as Eunice Keinembabazi was arrested for allegedly posing as a Colonel. At the time of her arrest, Keinembabazi was said to have conned unsuspecting victims of about USh 15 million (KSh 627,000). Preliminary investigations indicated that whenever there was an operation against illegal fishing, the suspect would call Fisheries Protection Unit commanders introducing herself as Col Mbabazi. According to a statement by the Uganda Police Force, Keinembabazi would then order the release of suspects. Her luck ran out when she called one of the officers asking him to release the illegal boats that had been impounded, and was asked to appear physically. On arrival, she was asked to produce her identity card, but she broke down and admitted she was a civilian.
by Hillary Lisimba
