Kampala, Uganda — The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has released Brig Gen Johnson Namanya from detention following a meeting in which he was cleared of all allegations.
According to a statement issued by UPDF Acting Spokesperson Chris Magezi, Brig Gen Namanya has been exonerated and is expected to immediately resume his military duties.
“The Chief of Defence Forces has today released Brig Gen Johnson Namanya from detention after an amicable and friendly meeting in which the latter was cleared of all allegations levelled against him. Brig Gen Namanya will resume his military duties accordingly,” Col Magezi said.
The development marks a significant turn in a situation that had raised questions about internal disciplinary processes within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) senior command structures.
Brig Gen Namanya had been detained alongside Don William Nabasa at the Kasenyi military facility following orders reportedly issued by Gen Muhoozi on March 27, 2026. Their detention initially sparked uncertainty, as UPDF authorities did not publicly disclose specific charges or detailed reasons.
Sources familiar with the matter had earlier indicated that the detentions were part of broader internal efforts to reinforce discipline and address administrative or performance-related concerns within the army.
While Brig Gen Namanya has now been released, there has been no official communication regarding the status of Maj Gen Nabasa, leaving uncertainty about whether he remains in detention or has also been cleared.
Maj Gen Nabasa is a senior UPDF officer currently serving as Joint Staff for Policy and Strategy, a role he assumed on January 3, 2025. He has previously held key positions, including Commander of the Third Infantry Division in Moroto and head of the UPDF Military Police.
He also commanded the Ugandan contingent under the African Union Mission in Somalia and led the Special Forces Command, a unit tasked with protecting the President and key national installations.
The swift clearance and release of Brig Gen Namanya may help ease concerns about transparency and due process within the military’s internal disciplinary mechanisms. However, analysts note that limited official details on the initial detention and the status of other officers continue to leave room for speculation.
The UPDF has in recent years emphasized professionalism and discipline within its ranks, often undertaking internal reviews aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and accountability.
