Simon Odongo, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) Cyber Desk boss (who is in jail) is being quizzed about what our sources in government say are baseless allegations accusing Ugandan businessmen and ministers of working with Rwanda to undermine President Museveni.
Odongo, who was arrested last week after refusing to surrender to military officers probing theft of Covid-19 relief food and other items, was later charged and remanded to Makindye Military barracks on charges of espionage, illegal possession of firearms and military uniform.
While in detention, the ISO Boss was interrogated on reports presented to his superiors alleging that top cabinet ministers, businessmen and army officers work with Rwanda’s military to internally sabotage government programmes. we have since learned that some of the targeted individuals include State Minister for Finance David Bahati, Gender Minister Frank Tumwebaze, Movit products chief, Simpson Birungi, MTN Uganda top executives and former Police Boss Gen Kale Kayihura.
The other top government officials accused are ex CMI commander, Brigadier Charles Bakahumura, former National Water boss William Muhairwe, Col Julius Mbaine, Col Paul Muwonge and Minister Chris Baryomunsi.
In a report that Odongo allegedly authored, he claims that Ministers Tumwebaze and Bahati provided millions of dollars to the Rwandan government to help in assisting the vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis, something officials in government say is fictious and laughable.
The report, insiders believe, is aimed at fighting gov’t officials that are friendly with First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the group responsible is against him making any political moves. As if he is not a citizen in the country, with freedoms like anyone else.
“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.” A source told our reporter.
According to our source, 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,” Idusso said in the leaked dossier.
Minister Frank Tumwebaze had no kind words for the team of operatives within gov’t that 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 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.
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.
Bahati wasn’t available for a comment but he recently expressed shock about the fake news campaign targeting him.
