Police have arrested a 20-year-old man for impersonating a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer and making inciting statements in a video shared on social media.
The suspect, Ivan Musana, was arrested after a video showing him wearing a military jacket circulated online. The clip was later uploaded to TikTok.
“Security Agencies have apprehended Ivan Musana a 20-year-old male following the circulation of a video on social media in which he is seen wearing a military jacket and making inciting statements,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala.
Police established that Musana is not a UPDF officer.
“Preliminary investigations have established that Musana is not a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces,” SP Kawala said.
She added that Musana deliberately misrepresented himself.
“Findings further indicate that the suspect falsely presented himself as a UPDF officer while recording the video, which was later uploaded to TikTok.”
According to police, Musana was tracked and arrested in Bukedea District and is currently detained at Kawempe Police Station.
“The case file will be forwarded to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for legal review and advice,” SP Kawala said.
Police warned the public against abusing social media as the country heads toward the January 15, 2026 General Elections, saying impersonation, incitement, threats, and hate speech are punishable under the law.