Wakiso, Uganda | Thirteen Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have been arrested following a violent confrontation with police officers at the Wakiso Police Division over a land dispute.
According to a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force on Monday June 2, 2025, the incident occurred around 5:00 PM when armed personnel reportedly from the Presidential Taskforce on Land Matters and Environment stormed the police station.
The soldiers, travelling in a green minibus (registration UBG 041U) and a Toyota Noah (registration UBR 647B), demanded the intervention of police in enforcing an eviction related to a disputed piece of land.
The military group confronted the Division Police Commander (DPC) and other officers, insisting they participate in the eviction.
However, the DPC declined, stating that there was no valid court order authorizing the eviction and that the district security committee had not been involved—making any police participation unlawful.
The soldiers reacted aggressively to the refusal and attempted to confront the DPC directly.
This triggered a response from fellow officers at the station, who were compelled to use force. The standoff escalated into an exchange of gunfire, ultimately forcing the armed group to flee the scene.
A rapid response team from the Kampala Metropolitan North Region Police, supported by UPDF reinforcements, launched a pursuit operation.
The suspects were later tracked down and arrested at Yesu Amala in Wakiso District.
All thirteen soldiers are currently in custody and are facing disciplinary procedures.
Police emphasized that such actions undermine the rule of law and cautioned against attempts to enforce land evictions without proper legal processes.
