Colonel Dr. Francis Ongia, a high-ranking officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), is facing allegations of hate speech and cyber harassment under the Computer Misuse Act. As his retirement nears, Ongia finds himself embroiled in a scandal that could damage his military reputation.
The controversy began with the arrest of 22-year-old social media blogger Emmanuel Opeto, who is currently detained at Amolatar Central Police Station. Opeto, the operator of the controversial “EMMA OFFICIAL PAGE” on social media, was apprehended by the Flying Squad on August 28th, 2024, following a complaint by Felix Adupa Ongwech, President of the Transformer Cadres Association. Adupa alleges that Opeto used his platform to spread blackmail, propaganda, and abuse, harming Adupa’s reputation.
During questioning, Opeto reportedly confessed to Amolatar Prominent Radio reporters that he was acting under Colonel Ongia’s direction. However, evidence, including WhatsApp messages, presented to detectives implicates Ongia as the mastermind behind the defamatory posts. This revelation has prompted police to consider issuing a formal summons to Ongia for questioning.
The situation escalated when Opeto’s family stormed Amolatar Central Police Station, demanding Ongia’s immediate arrest. They accuse Ongia of exploiting their son and expressed outrage that while Opeto remains in police custody, Ongia remains free. The family has threatened to protest outside Ongia’s residence if he does not take responsibility for his actions.
Attempts to reach Colonel Ongia for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report. Repeated phone calls by our reporter at 9:42 AM on Saturday, August 31st, 2024, went unanswered.
The North Kyoga Region Police PRO, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, was unable to comment on the matter as his phone went unanswered.
The case has been registered under SD REF 23/29/08/2024 at Amolatar CPS.
