KAMPALA — Jailed Internal Security Organisation (ISO) operative Simon Odongo who was arrested last week after refusing to surrender to military officers probing theft of COVID-19 relief food and other items has been linked to fake online leaks linking senior government officials to Rwanda schemes.
Mr. Odongo has, according to sources been quizzed about his fictitious reports accusing Ugandan businessmen and ministers of working with Rwanda to undermine President Museveni.
He was later charged and remanded to Makindye Military barracks on charges of espionage, illegal possession of firearms and military uniform.
According to reports, Odongo was interrogated on issues presented to his superiors alleging that top Cabinet ministers, businessmen and army officers work with Rwanda’s military to internally sabotage government programmes.
Some of the targeted individuals include Finance State Minister David Bahati, Gender Minister Frank Tumwebaze, Movit Products Chief, Simpson Birungi, MTN Uganda top executives among others.
Others are ex-CMI head, Brig. Charles Bakahumura, former NWSC boss William Muhairwe, Col. Julius Mbaine, Col. Paul Muwonge and Minister Chris Baryomunsi.
The recent report indicates that Mr. Tumwebaze and Mr. Bahati provided millions of dollars to the Rwandan government to help in assisting the vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis, a claim officials described as “fiction.”
It was discovered that the campaign targets close associates of Gen. Kainerugaba Muhoozi.
The fact that the reports are manufactured from ISO underscores the level of intrigue in government.
ISO operative Alfred Idusso recently said in a leaked resignation letter that Odongo’s team concocts and circulates audio tapes and WhatsApp conversations to frame people.
Idusso cited a fabricated audio tape used by ISO to frame former IGP Gen Kale Kayihura in the murder of ex AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
“This tape was created in that lab, and what is worse is that Mr. Odongo didn’t pay those boys. He told them that you (Kaka) commissioned that job and now they’re looking for ‘DG ISO” for their payment,” said Idusso in the leaked dossier.
It would appear by targeting ISO operatives sought to question the loyalty of the ministers and army officers.
Contacted for comment, Mr. Tumwebaze had no kind words for what he described as schemers.
“All those malicious schemes against me started in 2012 after I was appointed cabinet minister. So they aren’t knew. Their vendors and sponsors are known. I have chosen to ignore them and focus on my work,” said Mr. Tumwebaze.
“The God who appointed me into leadership will surely defeat them. I however, demand that the security and intelligence agencies of this country help us to act on these criminal networks. Trying to soil our names isn’t a big deal, but may be the next step will be to target our lives,” he emphasised.
Some of the targeted army officials are renowned intelligence officials and close to the top military leadership.
Mr. Tumwebaze was instrumental in spearheading reforms at Ministry of ICT including revamping UBC, introducing funding schemes for innovators and the broadband policy which sets tough conditions for licenced telecom operators with a view to regulate them and improve on quality of service.
On the other hand, Bahati has moved through Parliament all financial tax bills and loans with minimal resistance.
Many see him as a suitable replacement of Matia Kasaija as a substantive minister of finance.
In the last reshuffle many expected him to be elevated.
Maj Gen Kyaligonza in his earlier interview complained how Banyoro were being targeted, hinted on how “our only Munyoro in government” was also being overshadowed by Bahati and that it was a matter of time for the latter to take over.
Bahati was not readily available for comment but he recently expressed shock about the ‘fake news’ campaign targeting him.
