The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has arrested Mr. Mugwanya Shaban, a man accused of masquerading as a senior army officer under the name “Major Shaban.” He is currently in custody facing multiple allegations, including kidnapping, impersonation, and forgery.
According to the UPDF, Mugwanya was apprehended on 27th August 2025 at a fuel station in Kyengera, Wakiso District. At the time of his arrest, he was dressed in a green UPDF ceremonial uniform with forged insignia suggesting the rank of Major. Security personnel recovered a dummy pistol and a fake UPDF identity card during the operation. Investigations have since revealed that he had been posing as an officer since February 2024.
Authorities say Mugwanya admitted to using his fake identity to carry out illegal arrests, debt collection, and land-related dealings for personal gain. Preliminary findings further implicate him in the kidnapping of Mzee Spelito Mubiru in August 2025, an operation allegedly executed with the help of accomplices. The victim was unlawfully detained for two days before being released.
Investigators also discovered that Mugwanya had purchased forged military attire and documents, including his uniform and fake ID card, from a tailor in Kampala. He is further accused of working with other individuals, some of whom are already under investigation, to mislead the public by pretending to have State House and UPDF authority.
The army emphasized that Mugwanya has never been part of the UPDF and distanced itself from his actions. Officials warned that such impersonation puts public safety at risk and undermines national security.
“The UPDF takes these offences with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read, urging the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a security officer and to report suspicious persons to the nearest police station or army unit.
Mugwanya remains in custody and will be presented before the courts of law to face charges related to forgery, impersonation, and possession of restricted military items. The UPDF reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting Ugandans from criminal activity.
