By Spy Uganda
Former Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (C DIS), Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after the General Court Martial denied his application for bail due to a failure to present substantial sureties.
Maj Gen Birungi is expected to return before the General Court Martial on July 31, 2026, when judgment in the case is scheduled to be delivered.
The senior military officer is facing charges related to security and treachery before the General Court Martial sitting at Makindye and chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa.
Maj Gen Birungi, who previously served as the Chief of Military Intelligence before his arrest in August 2025, was jointly charged with several Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers over allegations that fabricated intelligence reports were used to fraudulently obtain operational funds.
Prosecutors allege that the falsified intelligence reports were also linked to controversial security operations in which civilians were fatally shot and later presented as suspected suicide bombers. The incidents cited include operations at Kalerwe Market and near the Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo during Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
During the same court session, the General Court Martial granted bail to some of the co-accused.
Brig Gen James Ruhesi was released on a cash bail of UGX 10 million and a non-cash bond of UGX 25 million, secured by sureties.
Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces similar charges, was granted bail on a UGX 4 million cash bond and a UGX 10 million non-cash bond, also backed by sureties.
However, Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera were remanded after failing to present acceptable sureties. They are expected to reappear before the court on July 31, 2026.
Lt Paddy Nahabwe was also remanded and is scheduled to return to court on August 31, 2026.
Proceedings at the General Court Martial have been conducted under tight security, with media access to the courtroom remaining restricted.
The case stems from investigations into intelligence and counterterrorism operations conducted by the UPDF. The investigations followed a Board of Inquiry chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, which examined the conduct of intelligence operations and the management of operational resources.
The outcome of the case is expected to be closely watched as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and professionalism within the UPDF’s intelligence structures.
