Exclusive: Man who Donned Military Uniform at NUP Offices is a UPDF Veteran

The man who appeared at the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala donning a military camouflage is a UPDF veteran, officials said Wednesday morning.

“He is Private Justus B Turyatunga,” said a reliable source who spoke to us on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to address the media.

“Turyatunga previously served in 105 Battalion, C Coy (company),” the source emphasised.

He also served in Somalia under Battle Group 31.

Turyatunga, who was clad in a full military uniform, was photographed seated with the new members of the party who joined on Tuesday, 18 August.

“A picture of an unidentified individual in UPDF dress, with unclear name tag and covered shoulder lapels and with a people power beret and mask was posted on social media to cheaply and desperately portray some members of the force as partisan,” said UPDF spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekwaso in a statement.

“The UPDF takes strong exception to this criminal scheme and already investigations are underway to establish the identity and apprehend the culprit who is not a member of the UPDF,” she added.

ChimpReports has learned that the intelligence organs are combing the city for Turyatunga who is said to be in hiding.

The UPDF ACT 2005 criminalizes “scandalous conduct by officers”.

It provides that an officer who behaves in a scandalous manner unbecoming of an officer, commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to suffer dismissal from the Defence Forces with or without disgrace.

“Scandalous conduct” means the personal conduct of an officer which is generally against public order, expectations and morality, whether or not the conduct directly or indirectly affects others.

If charged and convicted, Turyatunga may lose his pension and other benefits.