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General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has ordered the immediate release of Colonel James Kasule, a senior officer who was recently arrested in connection with a robbery and kidnapping case involving a gold dealer in Mubende District.
The directive was issued via a social media post in which Gen Muhoozi defended the embattled officer.
“I hear that our Intelligence officers arrested Col. Kasule for something. He should immediately be released,” Muhoozi ordered on Monday morning.
“Col. Kasule is one of our old fighters. I know him very well. I shall deal with him myself."
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The order comes amid mounting scrutiny over Kasule’s alleged role in a criminal operation that has embarrassed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Currently detained by the army at Makindye Barracks, Kasule could soon walk free under the CDF’s instructions.
Read: Suspect arrested as Ugandan crypto traders allege UPDF involvement in abductions
Accusations of Robbery and Kidnapping
Col Kasule, who was the 2nd Deputy Divisional Commander in the UPDF, was arrested over the weekend after he and a group of soldiers allegedly kidnapped a gold dealer believed to be in possession of large sums of cash.
The operation took place in Mubende District, an area known for small-scale gold mining.
Colonel James Kasule
Security investigators discovered that a military vehicle registered to Col Kasule was used during the alleged crime, tying him directly to the operation.
The development raised concerns about the abuse of state resources and official positions for criminal gain. He was expected to face charges including armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and abuse of office.
Col Kasule, who was due for retirement next year, had previously served in high-level commands including Operation Shujaa in eastern DR Congo and the Mountain Brigade.
An internal inquiry had already been launched in parallel with police investigations.