The Uganda People’s Defence Forces – UPDF has finally come out to explain why they arrested Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga.

Dr Muganga was picked up by security forces on Thursday afternoon and bundled into a Toyota Hiace drone before being driven off to a yet to be identified location.

While many described the arrest as a kidnap, UPDF spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekwaso says that he was arrested on charges of illegal stay in the country and espionage.

“Social media reports that Vice Chancellor Victoria University Dr Lawrence Muganga was kidnapped are false. He was arrested by joint Security Forces in connection with espionage and illegal stay in the country,” Byekwaso said on Thursday evening.

He further revealed that investigations into the matter have already commenced.

Dr. Muganga, according to his peers, is a results driven visionary with a stellar record of success in providing policy advice, independent and analysis, clear and easy-to-read research products.

He is also skilled at identifying and explaining complex policy and strategy issues and researching contentious issues.

Muganga has held positions in Canada, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.