Mukono NRM boss seeks UPDF probe over alleged harassment

__________________

The Kasawo sub-county chairperson, Rajab Ssentongo Mukasa, has appealed to the UPDF First Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Steven Mugerwa, to rein in junior officers whom he accuses of undermining his role as a political leader by tarnishing his reputation among constituents.

Ssentongo, who also serves as the NRM chairperson for Kasawo, initially made broad accusations during a security meeting, stating that he is struggling to perform his duties because of interference from a senior UPDF officer based in the district, whom he claims is orchestrating his downfall.

“My personal security is compromised; I get endless calls from this very army officer asking me to report to the State House, Nakasero, to record statements. Among other baseless allegations against me, is that I illegally have army uniforms and a gun. I am publicly asking you, Gen. Mugerwa, to investigate this matter to its conclusion so that I can gain some peace,” he said.

When pressed to name the officer involved, Ssentongo pointed to the UPDF Greater Mukono Zonal Intelligence Officer, Lt Col Moses Ssegujja. He accused him of damaging his reputation by branding him as a man of questionable integrity, thereby undermining his credibility in the eyes of the public.

The dramatic exchange unfolded during a security review meeting chaired by Maj. Gen. Mugerwa. The meeting was attended by all heads of security in the Mukono Police Division, civil servants, religious leaders, political leaders, and local authorities.

Visibly agitated, Ssentongo alleged that Lt. Col. Ssegujja has repeatedly accused him of impersonating a security operative, possessing military uniforms and equipment, and extorting money from relatives of detainees by falsely claiming he could influence top officials.

Maj. Gen. Mugerwa addressing Lt. Col. Moses Ssegujja (in checked shirt) as the rest of the officers including the chairperson, Ssentongo look on. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

Ssentongo further claimed that Ssegujja has persistently summoned him to the State House in Nakasero to explain how he allegedly acquired military items.

“I wonder why he does not come down and conduct a search in my house to recover the military uniforms he alleges that I possess. My dignity has been so degraded that when I make attempts to inquire from police about why certain people have been jailed, I am dismissed as a mere land dealer, which complicates the execution of my duties as a leader of the ruling party,” Ssentongo, visibly emotional, said.

Following the accusations, senior UPDF officers accompanying Gen. Mugerwa — including some from the Tokora Brigade — held a closed-door meeting with both Ssentongo and Col Ssegujja.

In a subsequent interview, Ssegujja admitted that he had summoned Ssentongo to explain claims related to possession of military equipment. He also claimed that Ssentongo had previously been imprisoned for extorting money from district leaders and other individuals under dubious pretences.

Though Maj. Gen. Mugerwa concluded the session by urging the two parties to resolve their differences amicably, Ssegujja was firm in his stance. Speaking to journalists, he said, “I am not going to compromise my security obligations because of one person with personal interests.”