In the aftermath of the regrettable incidents that marred a major NRM mobilization event in Kampala on Saturday, June 28, security agencies have moved swiftly to arrest over 30 suspects linked to acts of violence and criminality.
14 of the suspects have Monday been arraigned before Court and sent to jail.
While investigations continue, fresh concerns have emerged over the persistent targeting and blackmail of Director of Police’s Criminal Intelligence (CI), Major General Christopher Damulira, a key figure in Uganda’s internal security architecture.
The event, held along Kyaddondo Road, drew thousands of mobilized supporters from various NRM structures, including ghetto youth SACCOs, boda boda groups, and youth leaders under the office of the National Chairman in Kyambogo. As is often the case with massive public gatherings, the risk of infiltration by criminal elements was high, and some gaps in deployment were exploited, resulting in isolated incidents of robbery and assault.
Despite the efforts of security forces to restore order, social media was instantly awash with unverified claims, many directly targeting Gen. Damulira.
Opposition figures and affiliated bloggers accused him of masterminding the chaos claims that sources close to security circles dismiss as deliberate misinformation aimed at tarnishing his name.
The Smear Campaign
This is not the first time Gen. Damulira has faced blackmail. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has previously accused him of orchestrating arrests and attacks under the cover of special operations units like JATT (Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce)—despite JATT being a UPDF-led unit under CMI, with no operational links to Police, where Gen. Damulira serves.
Kyagulanyi’s claims that Damulira was behind the arrest of key NUP figures such as Eddie Mutwe and Chairman Nyanzi have similarly been debunked. In one instance, Chairman Nyanzi publicly clarified the circumstances of his arrest, contradicting the narrative advanced by NUP Deputy Spokesperson Waisswa Mufumbira, who had earlier gone on live television to point the finger at Damulira.
These calculated attempts to associate the CI chief with political repression, according to observers, are part of a broader strategy to undermine the credibility of Uganda’s security apparatus—especially those leaders seen as effective and apolitical.
Community-Centered Policing
Contrary to the narrative being pushed by his detractors, Gen. Damulira has earned national recognition for his intelligence-led operations, community policing efforts, and crime prevention initiatives. His approach has emphasized collaboration with vulnerable groups such as unemployed youth and ghetto residents—offering them alternative pathways through government-backed SACCOs, mindset change programs, and skilling initiatives.
Through this quiet but impactful work, Gen. Damulira has helped many youth abandon criminal activity and take up legitimate income-generating ventures. These efforts have translated into tangible results: Police crime statistics for 2023 and 2024 show a significant drop in both violent and petty crime across urban centers.
In acknowledgment of his contributions, Gen. Damulira was awarded a Medal of Exemplary Service by the Uganda Police Force. Around the same period, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) also honored him with the prestigious Masaba Star Medal—a rare cross-institutional endorsement of his commitment to national peace and security.
Weaponizing Misinformation
However, even as Gen. Damulira receives accolades for his professionalism, he remains a target of politically motivated attacks—many of which stem from the perception that his neutral stance and effectiveness pose a threat to those hoping to benefit from chaos. Notably, opposition mobilizers have been linked to the creation of vigilante-style groups such as “Eggaali”, a concept reportedly promoted by Kyagulanyi himself, which security insiders view as a dangerous provocation aimed at destabilizing public order.
The persistent blackmail of Gen. Damulira, analysts warn, should not be dismissed as mere political banter. Rather, it raises important questions about the safety of public servants and the long-term impact of undermining institutions meant to protect the population. Notwithstanding his current elevation in the military from Brigadier to Major General, a rank that doesn’t from a silver plate but rather hard work, commitment, patriotism and loyalty.
As the nation reflects on the unfortunate events of June 28, it becomes crucial to separate genuine accountability from politically driven scapegoating.
In the case of Gen. Damulira, the facts speak for themselves: a decorated officer, lauded for his integrity, and committed to ensuring a safer Uganda—not through brutality, but through engagement, reform, and community empowerment.
