The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied recent reports linking the Chief of Staff Land Forces Brigadier Leopold Kyanda to a ‘fake arms deal’ involving a one Sam Ssimbwa, the man allegedly behind the saga in which a Polish company reportedly lost over 500.000 Euros.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson Emilian Kayima, the police recently ‘rearrested’ Ssimbwa over the said fraud. Mr. Kayima, who did not indicate whether Brig Kyanda is under investigation, admitted Mr. Ssimbwa is being held in connection with the said deal.
“He was rearrested; actually he had been in police custody in connection with fraud. He is being held up in Kireka to help us with investigations; he will be paraded in court,” Mr Kayima said on phone this afternoon.
Asked to clarify whether Mr. Ssimbwa was being held in connection with the ‘arms deal’, Mr Kayima said: Yes, his arrest is in connection with the arms deal and it has a bearing.”
Mr Kayima’s remarks come in the wake of a communication issued today by the UPDF/Defence Spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, distancing any of its officials in the alleged malfeasance.
The UPDF also dismissed a string of actions that are allegedly being carried out by the army leadership, reportedly in connection with the said deal.
‘The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has noted with concern media reports claiming that the UPDF High Command sat over the weekend to discuss an alleged arms deal implicating the Chief of Staff Land Forces, Brig. Leopold Kyanda. The same media reports alleged that the Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence, Col. Mbonye, has been secretly transferred to African Union Mission to Somalia as he was investigating the alleged case and that the alleged deal was signed in Land Forces Headquarter board room, Bombo. The media reports also allege that Brig. Kyanda made phone calls to SIU of Police to ensure release of one Sam Simbwa, Lt. Col. Ankunda wrote.
He added: ‘This is to clarify that the High Command did not sit over the weekend as alleged, that there is no case of alleged fake arms deal being investigated by Col. Mbonye or the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, and that Brig. Kyanda is not currently under investigations of any sort by UPDF.’
According to Lt. Col. Ankunda, the reports are ‘unfounded and malicious’ and those found culpable of ‘propagating’ them will face the law.
Below is the statement from Ankunda.
PRESS RELEASE Army speaks out on alleged arms deal
November 14, 2016.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has noted with concern media reports claiming that the UPDF High Command sat over the weekend to discuss an alleged arms deal implicating the Chief of Staff Land Forces, Brig Leopold Kyanda. The same media reports alleged that the Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence, Col Mbonye, has been secretly transferred to African Union Mission to Somalia as he was investigating the alleged case and that the alleged deal was signed in Land Forces Headquarter board room, Bombo. The media reports also allege that Brig Kyanda made phone calls to SIU of Police to ensure release of one Sam Simbwa. This is to clarify that the High Command did not sit over the weekend as alleged, that there is no case of alleged fake arms deal being investigated by Col Mbonye or the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, and that Brig Kyanda is not currently under investigations of any sort by UPDF. The UPDF further clarifies that the planned deployment of Col Mbonye to AMISOM is normal deployment and not secret as reported. Furthermore, the Information which the sister organs, the UPDF and UPF have shared about these claims does not in any way indicate at anytime that one Sam Simbwa confessed to have met Brig Kyanda or conducted such a meeting in Land Forces Board Room. Brig Kyanda has also not made any of the alleged phone calls to SIU in relations to the said case nor did he talk to the one Simbwa at anytime. Media houses propagating these rumours are therefore cautioned to stop these false allegations against, Brig Leopold Kyanda, for there are no any clear indications of the Brigadier’s involvement in the alleged case. The public is hereby assured that the reports are unfounded, malicious and aimed at tainting the hard earned good image of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. The public are further informed that these reports are a psychological war launched by the enemies of the people of Uganda, targeting the top leadership of the UPDF with a view to breaking the trust the people have in their national force. The UPDF has travelled together with the People of Uganda in a long and difficult path to peace and stability that has ushered in development in the country. Any persons who try to break this bond will be stopped using the strong arm of the law. UPDF remains committed to the cause of securing Uganda and its People.
PADDY ANKUNDA
