In a dramatic move, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has recalled Brigadier Generals Gowa and Johnson Namanya Abaho from their roles at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The decision comes shortly after Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly demanded a sweeping overhaul of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).
The two generals, seconded to DCIC in 2021, were tasked with tightening border security, overseeing citizenship verification, and managing the issuance of national identification documents. Their departure was confirmed through an internal memo, which thanked staff and announced their return to Defence headquarters.
“Be informed that myself and Brig. Johnson Namanya Abaho’s tour of duty in the Ministry of Internal Affairs has come to an end, and we shall be returning to Defence headquarters for other assignments. I thank you all for the opportunity to have worked with you,” the memo read, signaling the end of a high-profile tenure.
The recall comes amid Muhoozi’s criticism of immigration officers accused of blocking Ugandans, particularly those of Banyarwanda descent, from obtaining IDs. The Defence Chief went further, claiming that some officials had even denied his grandmother, Kaka Bella, an identification document, warning that they “are going to jail.”
Although no official statement has linked the brigadiers’ redeployment directly to these events, the timing suggests it may be part of a broader restructuring effort. Analysts note that the move could indicate a government push to enforce stricter accountability and streamline access to essential documents.
During their time at DCIC, the generals enforced rigorous vetting procedures and heightened scrutiny over ID applications, particularly among cross-border communities. Their leadership, while strengthening security controls, also drew criticism for creating delays in document issuance.
The DCIC, which operates under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, collaborates closely with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to process passports and national IDs. These documents are critical for voting, banking, land transactions, SIM registration, and access to public services, making leadership stability in the department a matter of national concern.
As of now, no replacements have been announced for the recalled officers, nor has the government confirmed whether investigations into specific immigration personnel are underway. The move marks one of the most prominent shifts in Uganda’s immigration management since the 2021 security-led reforms, highlighting the ongoing tension between enforcement and citizen access.
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