Former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) boss, Maj Gen James Birungi, has been remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after the General Court Martial denied his application for bail, leaving the once-powerful intelligence chief behind bars as he awaits judgment in a high-profile treachery case.
The General Court Martial, chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa, declined to release Birungi after finding that he had failed to present suitable sureties to support his bail application.
The former intelligence chief is now expected back before the military court on July 31, 2026, when judgment is scheduled to be delivered.
Birungi, who formerly headed the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence—now renamed the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (C-DIS)—is facing charges of treachery and offences relating to security, stemming from investigations into alleged misconduct within Uganda’s military intelligence establishment.
His case has attracted widespread attention because of his former position at the helm of one of Uganda’s most powerful security agencies.
According to the prosecution, Birungi is among several senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers accused of participating in a scheme involving fabricated intelligence reports that were allegedly used to justify the release of operational funds.
Investigators further allege that the questionable intelligence reports were linked to controversial security operations in which civilians were allegedly shot dead before being falsely presented as suspected suicide bombers.
Among the incidents under scrutiny are operations at Kalerwe Market and near the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo during the annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations, where security agencies announced they had neutralized suspected terror threats.
The allegations form part of one of the most sensitive military investigations in recent years, touching on counterterrorism operations and the handling of intelligence within the UPDF.
Co-accused Receive Mixed Fortunes
While Birungi remained in detention, several of his co-accused received differing rulings from the court.
The General Court Martial granted bail to Brig Gen James Ruhesi, setting his cash bail at UGX 10 million with a UGX 25 million non-cash bond to be guaranteed by sureties.
Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces similar charges, was also released after the court granted him UGX 4 million cash bail and a UGX 10 million non-cash bond, likewise backed by sureties.
However, Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera were remanded after they also failed to present acceptable sureties.
Both officers are expected to reappear before the court on July 31, 2026.
Another accused officer, Lt Paddy Nahabwe, was similarly remanded and is scheduled to return to court on August 31, 2026.
Tight Security at Makindye
Proceedings before the General Court Martial have continued under heavy security at Makindye Military Barracks, with access to the courtroom tightly controlled and media coverage significantly restricted.
The heightened security reflects the sensitivity of the case, which involves senior military officers and allegations relating to intelligence operations and national security.
Board of Inquiry Triggered Prosecutions
The prosecutions follow investigations conducted by a Board of Inquiry established to examine intelligence and counterterrorism operations within the UPDF.
The inquiry was chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, and reportedly examined the conduct of intelligence personnel, the management of classified operations, and the use of operational resources.
The findings of the inquiry laid the groundwork for criminal proceedings against several senior officers, including Birungi.
The case is being closely watched as one of the most significant internal accountability processes undertaken by the UPDF in recent years, with the military seeking to address allegations of abuse of intelligence processes and misuse of operational funds.
All eyes will now be on July 31, when the General Court Martial is expected to deliver its judgment on Maj Gen Birungi’s case, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for military accountability and intelligence operations in Uganda.
