Police Deny Arrest of High-Profile Field Force Officer Amidst Social Media Rumours
Widespread social media reports alleging the arrest of Field Force Unit (FFU) officer Moses Mukiibi have been officially dismissed by authorities as false and misleading. The claims, which began to gain traction online on Wednesday, suggested that Superintendent of Police (SP) Mukiibi had been detained while purportedly attempting to flee to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
These reports quickly captivated public attention, largely due to SP Mukiibi’s prominent role during the 2026 presidential election period. He was widely recognized as one of the key commanding officers associated with presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, more commonly known as Bobi Wine. His visible presence and involvement in operational duties throughout the campaign season placed him squarely in the public and media spotlight, making him a recognizable figure within the nation’s security apparatus.
SP Mukiibi currently serves with the FFU, a specialized division within the Uganda Police Force. This unit is specifically equipped and trained to handle operations deemed high-risk, encompassing critical responsibilities such as crowd control, public order management, and responding to volatile situations.
In an effort to counter the burgeoning misinformation, police authorities swiftly moved to address the circulating rumours. They characterized the reports as deliberate propaganda, designed with the explicit intention of misleading the public.
Official Statement Refutes Arrest Claims
Confirming the police’s stance, Deputy Spokesperson Diana Nandawula issued a formal statement on Thursday. The statement emphatically refuted the allegations and provided clear confirmation that the officer remains actively engaged in his official duties.
“Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false propaganda circulating on social media alleging that SP Karim Mukiibi of the Field Force Unit (FFU) has been arrested by the Uganda Police,” Nandawula stated. She continued, “We wish to clarify that SP Mukiibi has not been arrested. He remains on duty and continues to diligently perform his official police responsibilities.”
The issuance of this official clarification underscores a broader concern regarding the proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms. Authorities have noted a recent increase in unverified claims, particularly those that target security agencies and public officials. Such content, they warn, has the potential to incite unnecessary public panic and erode essential trust in governmental and security institutions.
Police departments across the region have repeatedly issued advisories against the sharing of unverified information, emphasizing the detrimental impact that such rumours can have on public order and institutional credibility. The incident involving SP Mukiibi serves as a pertinent example of how quickly unsubstantiated reports can spread and necessitate a clear, official response to maintain public confidence.
The FFU’s role is crucial in maintaining stability and order, and the visibility of its officers, especially during periods of heightened political activity, makes them susceptible to rumour and speculation. The police’s timely intervention in this instance highlights their commitment to transparency and their proactive approach to combating the spread of disinformation that could potentially disrupt public peace or damage the reputation of their officers and the force as a whole.
The ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to debunk false narratives are a critical component of ensuring a well-informed citizenry and upholding the integrity of official communications. As social media continues to be a primary source of news for many, the responsibility of verifying information before sharing it becomes increasingly important for all users.
