Colonel Godfrey Tukamwakira, the former commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers’ Brigade, has been arrested on the direct orders of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over corruption-related offences following a detailed personal wealth audit.
The arrest, which insiders say was swift and executed under tight military surveillance, has sent shockwaves through the security sector, sparking renewed debate over the military’s role in enforcing integrity within its elite ranks.
Col. Tukamwakira had long been regarded as a dependable engineer and a disciplined officer with considerable influence in UPDF infrastructure projects across the country.
However, his sudden financial rise, reportedly inconsistent with his known income, raised red flags during an internal audit exercise initiated by the CDF’s office earlier this year.
According to preliminary sources within the Ministry of Defence, a wealth audit uncovered unexplained assets including high-end real estate, fleet vehicles, and substantial cash transactions, which could not be accounted for by Col. Tukamwakira’s official earnings or declared assets.
“This is not a political arrest. It’s a disciplinary action against suspected misuse of authority and public funds.”
The arrest of Col. Tukamwakira marks a bold stance by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who was recently confirmed as the substantive CDF, replacing Gen Wilson Mbadi.
Gen Muhoozi has vowed to sanitise the UPDF and restore confidence in the military’s leadership by rooting out corruption and impunity, even at the highest levels.
This move underscores his earlier warning during a May 2025 military leadership retreat, where he stated:
“The UPDF must never be a sanctuary for thieves in uniform. Any officer caught abusing their position will be held accountable regardless of rank.”
Legal experts are now watching closely to see whether the embattled Colonel will be arraigned before the General Court Martial in Makindye or a civilian anti-corruption court, depending on the scope of the charges. If prosecuted under military law, he could face dishonourable discharge, seizure of illicit wealth, and possible imprisonment.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) has yet to release a formal statement, though a source at the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) confirmed that Tukamwakira is currently being held at a secure military detention facility for interrogation.
This high-profile arrest is part of a larger anti-graft sweep within the UPDF and other government agencies, which has seen several procurement officers and project contractors questioned over misuse of state funds, especially on infrastructure projects handled by the Engineers’ Brigade.
While some political observers view this as a legitimate cleanup exercise, others say it may also serve as a signal of Gen. Muhoozi’s leadership style, decisive, disciplinarian, and increasingly hands-on.
The UPDF Engineers’ Brigade, which has handled billion-shilling construction contracts including roads, barracks, and public infrastructure, is expected to undergo an internal performance and compliance audit, with possible restructuring in the pipeline.
Col. Tukamwakira’s arrest could also open the floodgates for more investigations targeting other senior officers suspected of corruption or mismanagement.
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