Two men in Ibanda District have been remanded to prison after being charged with illegal possession of government stores, specifically military uniforms.

The suspects, identified as Joseph Mucunguzi, also known as Munde, and Champion Julius, appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibanda on Wednesday, 28th May 2025.

They were charged under Section 152(1) of the Penal Code Act and remanded until June 11, 2025.

The duo was apprehended in a joint operation carried out by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

According to the prosecution, the accused, along with others still at large, repeatedly wore Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms in Kyembogo village, Karangara Ward, Bisheshe Division, Ibanda District. Their aim, prosecutors allege, was to intimidate local residents in an ongoing land dispute.

“This was part of an effort to forcefully evict residents from land that is under dispute with one Mbabazi Vincent, who is alleged to have illegally acquired a land title,” prosecution team said.

Section 152(1) of the Penal Code Act criminalizes the unauthorized wearing of military or police uniforms by civilians. The law stipulates that individuals found guilty of the offence are liable to a prison term not exceeding seven years.