By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) High Command on Thursday remanded to Makindye Barracks an operative working with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), for allegedly framing senior government officials and army officers, among them the former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura.
Sgt. Simon Peter Odongo, who was the head of Cyber Department at ISO, is facing charges of illegal possession of firearms, military uniforms and espionage.
Our Spies reveal that Odongo’s troubles started early last week when UPDF soldiers were deployed to search his home over allegations that he was hording there stolen COVID-19 relief food. It is said however that when the soldiers reached his home in Kampala, Odongo attempted to resist arrest by shooting at them, although he was later subdued and apprehended.
After searching his home, soldiers recovered three guns, army uniforms and jackets which he was allegedly possessing illegally.
However, shortly after his arrest, it was discovered that Odongo’s name had always been cited in various cases of fabricating and circulating audio tapes and WhatsApp conversations to frame senior public servants, businessmen and army officers.
Chief among the people he allegedly framed was former IGP Gen Kale Kayihura, whom he alleged had been involved in the murder of Assistant Inpector General of Police AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, who was gunned down by unknown assailants in 2017.
The shocking revelation was reportedly made in a leaked resignation letter by ISO operative Alfred Idusso, who informed the intelligence body’s Director General, Col. Kaka Bagyenda, about Odongo’s misconduct.
Idusso’s resignation letter reads in part thus; “There are innumerable reports we’ve investigated that end up with Simon Peter Odongo having forged the evidence, but each time, they come to naught. Interestingly enough, Mr. Odongo comes to know the content of our reports and calls us to threaten us.”
Idusso cited a fabricated audio tape used by ISO to frame former IGP Gen Kale Kayihura in the murder of ex AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
“This tape was created in that lab, and what is worse is that Mr. Odongo didn’t pay those boys. He told them that you (Kaka) commissioned that job and now they’re looking for ‘DG ISO” for their payment,” Idusso said in his letter.
Idduso added that “I have brought this issue to your attention several times and you dismiss it but I would think the prudent thing to do would be to at least check out my claims or if you don’t believe me, go to that house and ask for Solomon, he will give you much more detail about more jobs that they have done for “DG ISO” at the request of Mr. Odongo.”
Apart from Kayihura, it is suspected that Odongo’s also fabricated audios to implicate former Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi for allegedly pocketing kickbacks from MTN and State Minister for Finance David Bahati, whom he alleged was involved in a plot with elements Rwanda to undermine President Yoweri Museveni.
The same Odongo, who is currently behind bars, allegedly fabricated stories alleging that former Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General Doris Akol had been receiving kickbacks from investors and wealthy businessmen who wanted to bypass taxation.
He is also accused of telling President Museveni lies during a
special meeting of ISO officials in 2017 that USD38m had been stolen from the treasury and wired to banks in Malaysia by Treasury Secretary Keith Muhakanizi and Jim Muhwezi. However, his allegations were proved to be fictitious by a joint investigation team that included foreign banking experts.
Commenting about the matter, Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who was also a victim of Odongo treachery, said he had always heard of the rumours and knows those peddling the same, but that they can’t bring him down.
“All those malicious schemes against me started in 2012 after I was appointed cabinet minister. So they aren’t knew. Their vendors and sponsors are known. I have chosen to ignore them and focus on my work,” said Mr. Tumwebaze.
He added that; “The God who appointed me into leadership will surely defeat them. I however, demand that the security and intelligence agencies of this country help us to act on these criminal networks. Trying to soil our names isn’t a big deal, but may be the next step will be to target our lives.”
It should be noted that Tumwebaze was instrumental in spearheading reforms at Ministry of ICT including revamping UBC, introducing funding schemes for innovators and the broadband policy which sets tough conditions for licensed telecom operators with a view to regulate them and improve on quality of service.
The other prominent Ugandans who befell victim to Odongo’s framing include Movit Cosmetics boss Simpson Birungi, Minister David Bahati, former CMI Director Brig Charles Bakahumura to mention but a few.
Currently, Odongo is on remand at Makindye Military Barracks until his case will come up for mentioning again after detectives conducting thorough investigations into allegations lodged against him.
