KAMPALA, Uganda — An investigative report by The Independent has raised allegations that a man identified as Stephen Nuwagaba allegedly impersonated a senior presidential security official and used the claimed position to intimidate and extort government officials.
The report, published by The Independent, alleges that Nuwagaba presented himself as a Brigadier General and Senior Presidential Adviser on Intelligence and Security, gaining access to state-linked privileges, including vehicles, security personnel and official accommodation.
According to the investigation, Nuwagaba allegedly used his claimed proximity to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and State House to influence officials and business figures, threatening to submit damaging intelligence reports against them unless they provided money or other benefits.
The report alleges that some individuals were targeted through claims that he had the ability to influence decisions at the highest levels of government.
One of the officials mentioned in the allegations is police officer Frank Mwesigwa. The report claims Nuwagaba allegedly threatened to present negative information about him to President Museveni and demanded payment of Shs300 million.
The allegations further claim that Nuwagaba created or used fabricated communications, including WhatsApp conversations, as purported evidence against individuals he targeted.
The investigation also questions how Nuwagaba allegedly gained recognition within official circles despite claims about his background that were later disputed.
According to The Independent, Nuwagaba reportedly claimed to have served with Israeli security agencies, including Mossad. The report states that those claims were later denied by Mossad officials.
The revelations have triggered public discussion about the effectiveness of vetting procedures within Uganda’s security and government institutions, with commentators calling for investigations into how an individual could allegedly operate while presenting himself as a senior security official.
Journalist Andrew Mwenda described the allegations as a case involving “blackmail, extortion and terror by someone claiming to be close to the president,” and questioned the circumstances that allowed such claims to gain traction.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether any formal investigation has been opened by security agencies or State House authorities.
Uganda’s security institutions have previously emphasised the importance of verifying identities and credentials of individuals claiming links to government offices, particularly those presenting themselves as holding sensitive security positions.
The claims come amid broader concerns in many countries about individuals exploiting perceived access to political leaders and security structures to gain influence, money or personal advantages.
Authorities are expected to clarify the matter if investigations into the allegations are initiated.