Ugandan Army Accused of Running Secret Detention Centres for Opposition Figures

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

The officer, Mabonga Matanda, disclosed what he described as details of the facilities and alleged that torture takes place inside them.

The Ugandan army has denied the accusations. It 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 claims of torture.