KAMPALA.
The controversial First Son and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the immediate release of UPDF 1st Infantry Division deputy commander, Col. James Kasule Col James Kasule,who is implicated in abducting a gold dealer
Col Kasule and his guards were reportedly intercepted by Wamala Region police officers on the Mityana-Mubende highway as they drove off a gold merchant they had reportedly abducted on Saturday , according to security sources . The suspect’s official military vehicle was recovered at the scene, prompting questions about the use of military assets in the alleged operation.
Sources said Col. Kasule and his guards drove to the scene to raid the victims whom they suspected to be in possession of smuggled gold and cash .
However, they arrived at the scene only to discover the victim did not have any gold and money.
The soldier then abducted the target and drove him off as someone tipped off the police who then swung into action and intercepted the suspects.
Senior police officers at Wamala Police Region in Mityana confirmed the arrest of Col Kasule and his bodyguards, but did not give any details.
“It is true the colonel and his guards were arrested by our detective but have since been handed over to the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces . It is better you talk to the UPDF leadership for more information ,” a senior police officer at Wamala Police Regional headquarters said on Sunday
But in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Gen Muhoozi ordered : “I hear that our Intelligence officers arrested Col. Kasule for something. He should immediately be released.”
Gen Muhoozi aid he will personally deal with Col.Kasule
“Col. Kasule is one of our old fighters. I know him very well. I shall deal with him myself.” Security services reveal that Col.Kasule is currently being held at Makindye Military Barracks .
Soldiers and security personnel are increasingly getting involved in illegal gold deals and robbery in the country .
In May , four Flying Squad Unit officers, including a Superintendent of Police, were arrested and arraigned in court on allegations of aggravated robbery of gold and dollars from John Vian Tumukunde at Nakawa in Kampala City on May 9, 2025.
The four officers were remanded to prison.
In July last year, some soldiers were also involved in a robbery of gold that left two people dead in Buddo on Kampala –Masaka highway .