A 26-year-old man, Stephen Nuwagaba, is at the center of a high-profile investigation over allegations that he impersonated an intelligence operative linked to Israel’s Mossad and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to access Uganda’s State House and influence senior government officials.
According to an investigation published by The Independent, Nuwagaba allegedly relied on fabricated intelligence credentials, false claims of torture, and deceptive narratives to gain the confidence of influential figures and solicit financial support.
The report alleges that he approached several high-ranking officials, including Speaker Anita Among, as well as senior officers from the External Security Organisation (ESO) and Crime Intelligence.
Investigators claim Nuwagaba portrayed himself as a victim of torture by Ugandan security agencies, claimed to have maintained secret contact with exiled government critic Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, and allegedly used compromising photographs as part of blackmail schemes to manipulate individuals.
According to the publication, investigations conducted by the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), supported by notes from Gen. Salim Saleh and intelligence verification processes, reportedly uncovered significant inconsistencies in Nuwagaba’s account.
The report states that identification cards and other documents he allegedly presented as proof of links to Mossad and the IDF could not be verified, prompting security agencies to reportedly classify him as a potential national security concern.
One of the incidents highlighted in the investigation allegedly took place at Gen. Salim Saleh’s residence in Gulu, where Nuwagaba was introduced by human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo.
According to the report, Nuwagaba claimed he had been tortured by CDIS officers and accused Maj. Gen. James Birungi and Brig. Abdul Rugumayo of orchestrating the alleged abuse. He further alleged that he sustained serious injuries before being dumped at the Rwandan High Commission, where the torture supposedly continued.
The report says Gen. Saleh questioned the allegations and immediately directed medical personnel from the UPDF 4th Division to examine Nuwagaba and prepare an independent medical report.
However, according to the investigation, Nuwagaba never returned for the medical examination, leaving his torture claims unverified.
Investigators reportedly viewed the missed medical assessment as a significant development, arguing that it prevented doctors from confirming or disproving the alleged injuries.
The investigation concludes that Nuwagaba allegedly used changing narratives, unverifiable intelligence credentials, and fabricated stories to build influence, gain access to powerful individuals, and solicit money.
The allegations are based on findings published by The Independent. They have not been tested or proven in court, and no judicial determination has been made regarding the claims.
