Ugandan Defector Alleges Army Runs Secret Detention Centres for Opponents and Activists

A Ugandan military defector has alleged that the country’s army operates secret detention centres where political opponents and activists are held and tortured.

The officer, Mabonga Matanda, disclosed what he described as details of the facilities and the treatment of people detained inside them. His account places the alleged centres under military control.

The Ugandan army denies the accusations. It has described Matanda as a deserter wanted by judicial authorities.

The allegations and the army’s denial present sharply conflicting accounts. The information provided does not independently establish the existence of the centres or substantiate the reported torture.