Gen. Muhoozi Orders Arrest of Brig. Bekunda Besigye Over Corruption

In a bid to stamp out corruption in the ranks of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered the arrest of Brigadier Bekunda Besigye and several other officers from the UPDF Engineers Brigade.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening on X, Gen. Muhoozi accused the officers of poisoning and contaminating the core principle that has defined the UPDF over the years — self-sufficiency and efficiency in the use of public resources.

“They received monies and misused it!” Gen. Muhoozi declared, emphasizing that their arrest is not just disciplinary, but a warning shot to others who may seek to exploit the military institution for personal gain.

According to to him, they desecrated a sacred principle “we have always embraced as UPDF…let their punishment serve as a lesson to others,” he added.

Gen. Muhoozi has consistently positioned the fight against corruption as a central pillar of his leadership since assuming the role of CDF.

He has often stated that the UPDF must remain an institution of integrity, accountability, and service to the people.

His recent action highlights the CDF’s commitment to cleansing the army of officers who betray the values that have built the UPDF into a respected and professional force.

The UPDF Engineers Brigade is responsible for key infrastructure development across the country, including construction projects in sectors like health, education, and roads.

Allegations of financial misconduct within such a crucial department have raised serious concerns about the abuse of public trust and resources.

It remains unclear what specific projects or amounts are involved, but military prosecutors are expected to open investigations immediately.

Analysts view the crackdown as part of Gen. Muhoozi’s broader strategy to strengthen institutional discipline, restore confidence in military operations, and reinforce transparency within the force.

“Any individual or group with selfish interests—whether corruption, misappropriation of resources, or mismanagement of any kind—must reform immediately or leave our cherished UPDF before they are exposed,” Gen Muhoozi warned last year during the closing ceremony of a logistics and inventory management retreat at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Magamaga, Jinja.