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The Special Forces Command (SFC) has launched an internal investigation following serious allegations made by Next Radio presenter Mark Agaba, popularly known as Uncle Mark, regarding the alleged torture of his brother by SFC officers.
The allegations came to light through a letter Agaba posted on X (formerly Twitter), addressed to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), and the SFC. In the emotional post, Agaba recounted a harrowing incident involving his brother, who he said was brutalised by security personnel during a routine presidential convoy stop.
“A few months ago, as the president’s (@KagutaMuseveni) convoy passed through town, you stopped all vehicles and motorists—standard procedure,” he wrote. “But among the boda men held up that day was my brother. He was rushing home after his pregnant wife called him; she had slipped in the bathroom and needed urgent help.”
According to Agaba, his brother complied with the convoy security measures and parked his motorcycle to proceed on foot. However, near a police post, he was allegedly apprehended by SFC officers, beaten, and forced into a car boot. He reportedly remained in custody for two days before being released with visible injuries, including missing toenails.
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“Today, he’s slowly recovering. Sadly, we lost the baby. His wife is healing,” Agaba concluded.
In response, the SFC released a statement through State House, acknowledging receipt of the allegations and committing to a full investigation.
“The Special Forces Command (SFC) is in receipt of Mr Mark Agaba's statement alleging the high-handedness of some of our officers. The SFC has taken deliberate steps to investigate the matter to establish its full details,” the statement reads.
It further noted that Agaba has been contacted and asked to connect the SFC with the alleged victim to aid in the inquiry. “The SFC has also, with immediate effect, instituted an internal probe into the matter. We also call upon the general public and any other persons that could help avail further details on the same or any other events.”
The statement ends with a pledge: “We thank you and pledge to get to the very bottom of this matter.”
Agaba’s account has sparked widespread discussion online, with many Ugandans sharing their own concerns about alleged abuse by security forces during convoy stops.