Former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) director Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after the General Court Martial denied him bail over his failure to present the required sureties.
Maj Gen Birungi, who is now facing charges linked to security and treachery, is expected to return to court on 31 July 2026 when judgment in the case is scheduled to be delivered.
He was arrested in August 2025 and charged alongside several other Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers over allegations of producing false intelligence reports that were allegedly used to secure operational funds.
The case also relates to security operations in which civilians were reportedly shot and later falsely portrayed as suspected suicide bombers. The incidents allegedly occurred at Kalerwe Market and near the Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
While Brig Gen James Ruhesi and Maj Innocent Mugumya were granted bail, Col David Kidega, Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera and Lt Paddy Nahabwe remained in custody after failing to present the required sureties.
The charges stem from findings of a Board of Inquiry established to investigate intelligence and counterterrorism operations. The inquiry was chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
