UPDF warns soldiers against spreading ‘lies’

Kampala.
The Army has warned at least 38 soldiers who claim they were repatriated from Somalia under unclear circumstances by their bosses and have not been paid, that they face arrest if they continue spreading false information.

The army spokesperson, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda, said in a statement issued yesterday, that the allegations made by these soldiers were intended to taint the image of the UPDF.

“The UPDF, therefore, sounds a warning to the soldiers involved in spreading misinformation of nonpayment and other framed up allegations, aimed at tainting the defence Forces’ image, that they risk arrest and prosecution,” he said.

“The UPDF is committed to ensuring the best of welfare of it troops and disassociates itself from several unethical allegations the claimants are making against the institution,” he added.

The list includes Maj Kiiza Nsubuga, who was in Somalia as contingent logistics officer last year, now in Kabamba Military Barracks, where he still works as a logistician.

However, military sources say the officer was unfairly repatriated from Mogadishu after having a disagreement with the contingent commander.

Maj Nsubuga was replaced by Capt Joy Atugonza who is now in Makindye cells facing charges of failure to ensure proper supply of food to the soldiers, failure to plan leading to shortage of food, water and issuing forged documents.

There have also been complaints from soldiers failing to return to Somalia because of lack of administrative flights back to Mogadishu.
They also complain that their names were deleted from the payroll after they are declared absent without official leave for 21 days.

But Col Ankunda dismissed the claims, saying there are no soldiers who have been forced out of the mission or have not been paid their allowances.

“These claimants failed to meet requirements of the standing operating procedures of Amisom, leading to their repatriation. Persons repatriated or unofficially out of the mission area for 21 days, or who quit the mission, are not payable from the time they leave the mission area,” he said.

Soldiers who didn’t finish Somalia mission

Kiiza Nsubuga
David Okello
Barnabas Omara
Silaje Lubwama
Mugisha Kenneth
Okabo Tom
Watasa John
Nyakubaho Zephania
Kakande Ahamed
Agaba Motex
Swale Baluku
Binega Alex
Kiprop Martine
Muhindo Kulaba
Kato Matia
Ajij Francis
Atuma Thomas
Avudruga Geofrey
Mutegombwa Adam
Ogwaleto Godfrey
Opio Oming Sam
Bashaija Kenneth
Opio Leo
Wafula Duncan
Mulabi Charles
Ochama Gilbert
Masaba Edward
Bugeya Ibrahim
Amba Sadik
Seguya Amidu
Mugarura Emmanuel
Otuk Bonny
Saturday Andrew
Mucunguzi Ben
Egodu Stephen
Nsereko Muzamiru
Okalebo Francis
Okwi Simon