KAMPALA – The General Court Martial (GCM) has convicted Jonathan Nzogi, a self-styled pastor allegedly associated with Cross of Miracle Church in Kanyanya, Kampala. Nzogi was found guilty of illegally wearing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) attire, an offense under the UPDF Act.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, GCM chairman Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe delivered the verdict after Nzogi admitted to the prosecution’s facts. “Since you have admitted to all the state brief facts, this court hereby convicts you, Nzogi, on your plea,” announced Gen. Mugabe. Nzogi, 31, was then remanded to Kitalya Government Prison until July 15, 2024, when he will return to court for sentencing.
Nzogi was convicted under Sections 164 (1) (a) of the UPDF Act, 2005, which criminalizes the unlawful wearing of military uniforms. This offense carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
State prosecutor Lt. Alex Mukhwana presented the facts, stating that Nzogi was apprehended on June 13, 2024, at a checkpoint in Buloba along the Kampala-Mityana Road in Wakiso district. He was found wearing a UPDF digital camouflage uniform with a red beret, both of which are designated as official military attire.
“My lord chairman and honorable court members, the offense for which the convict has been convicted has become rampant and has led to many crimes where perpetrators pose as UPDF officers, tarnishing the name of the Defense Forces. We, therefore, pray that the court grants the convict a deterrent sentence,” submitted Mukhwana.
In defense, Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa asked the court for leniency, emphasizing Nzogi’s cooperation. He highlighted that Nzogi pleaded guilty, did not waste the court’s time, expressed remorse, and showed a willingness to reform.
When questioned by the court about his acquisition and use of the UPDF uniform, Nzogi explained that he wore it during church crusades to attract believers. “Whenever people saw me in that uniform, they would think, ‘If an officer is worshiping and praying to God, why not me?’ This helped in drawing them to the crusades and church,” he explained.
Nzogi further revealed that he initially received the uniform from a friend, Staff Sergeant Ssegawa, also a pastor. However, on the day of his arrest, Nzogi admitted to having stolen the uniform from Kaweweta Military Training School in Nakaseke district without Ssegawa’s knowledge.
