By Gad Masereka
Kampala: Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer Colonel Paul Muwonge has been arrested by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) after being suspected of spying for Rwanda.
Col. Muwonge who has been serving as an intelligence operative, has been detained at Makindye military barracks as the UPDF investigate allegations that he has been conniving with top military officials in Kigali, Rwanda. Sources at the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence CMI say Muwonge is in detention as inquiries into reports that he has been in direct contact with two top Rwandan military officials continue. CMI sources reveal that they are still working hard to nab more suspects who are involved in the same espionage. Information from security operative in CMI, the investigative wing of the UPDF, indicates that Muwonge was arrested on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 and detained at Makindye Military Barracks in Kampala pending investigation. As soon as Muwonge was arrested, Col. David Gonyi was urgently appointed to replace him to ensure smooth flow of the work Muwonge had been undertaking.
At the moment it has not been clarified whether Muwonge is allowed accessed to his family members and lawyers or not. However , the UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire said that “The senior officer (Muwonge) is not in prison. It is true that he is being investigated for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in the UPDF.” Karemire however declined to reveal whether the UPDF Land Forces Intelligence director still retains his job, is on suspension or has been placed under house arrest, if he is not in jail as he claimed. Muwonge has served in various key intelligence positions in West Nile Sub-region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and as the Intelligence Officer for UPDF 2nd Division based in Mbarara, which is responsible for guarding Uganda’s territory and national sovereignty on the western axis, which straddles eastern DRC and Rwanda frontiers.
