Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that security agencies have started arresting individuals he described as criminals within the Presidential Advisory Council on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), saying President Yoweri Museveni directed him to pursue those involved in wrongdoing.
“We have started arresting the criminals in PACEID. Mzee has told me to get all of them,” Muhoozi reportedly stated, referring to President Museveni.
The announcement has attracted attention because PACEID is linked to businessman and presidential adviser Odrek Rwabwogo, who is also President Museveni’s son-in-law and Gen Muhoozi’s brother-in-law.
PACEID was established to support Uganda’s export growth, industrial development and value addition by connecting local businesses with international markets. However, Muhoozi’s statement has shifted focus to allegations of misconduct involving individuals associated with the organisation.
The CDF did not reveal details of the alleged offences, identify those arrested or provide information about possible charges. It remains unclear how many people have been detained and whether they have been formally presented before court.
The statement has raised questions about the future of investigations within PACEID, with authorities expected to provide more information about the nature of the alleged crimes and the evidence behind the arrests.
While the announcement has placed the organisation under scrutiny, no evidence has been presented publicly linking Rwabwogo personally to any wrongdoing. Any individuals arrested will be subject to investigations and due legal processes.
The development comes at a time when Uganda is seeking to strengthen exports and attract investment, making accountability within institutions responsible for economic development a matter of public interest.
