BIG STORY: Fuel Scandal Rocks UPDF As Gen Barigye,Three Other Top Officers Are Remanded!

By Swift Reporter

Four senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after being charged with misusing operational fuel for personal gain, in a case that prosecutors say undermined military efficiency.

The officers, James Barigye Ruheesi, David Ocitti Kidega, Innocent Kikongi Mugumya, and Kenneth Labwon Kinyera, appeared Monday before the General Court Martial in Makindye for plea taking. All four denied the charges.

The prosecution alleges that between July 2022 and December 2023, the officers diverted approximately 270,000 litres of automotive gas oil (AGO) intended for military operations in Kampala and Jinja for personal use. The fuel was reportedly designated for heavy operational equipment at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center (URDCC).

According to the charge sheet, the alleged actions violated Section 122(b) of the UPDF Act and “endangered operational efficiency.” At the time of the alleged offences, Brig Gen Barigye served as Commandant of URDCC at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja, while Col Kidega was a staff officer in charge of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants at Joint Staff Logistics. Maj Mugumya was attached to URDCC as a transport officer, and Capt Kinyera served as a procurement officer under Joint Staff Health Services.

The four officers have been in detention since April 2025 following their arrest on the orders of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, amid reports of fuel theft at URDCC.

During the hearing, prosecutors led by Raphael Mugisha told the court that investigations into the matter were nearing completion and requested that the accused remain in custody until the next session.

Defence counsel Maj Simon Busagwa Nsubuga did not object to the adjournment but asked the court to compel the prosecution to disclose the evidence and witnesses intended for trial preparation. However, the court, chaired by Richard Tukacungurwa, declined the request, noting that investigations were still ongoing.

The case was adjourned to May 29, 2026, with the accused remanded at the Makindye Military Police Detention Facility.

The proceedings highlight growing scrutiny within the UPDF over the management of operational resources, particularly in critical units tasked with rapid deployment and national security response.