Kampala, Uganda: Former Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now 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 him bail due to a failure to present sureties.
Maj Gen Birungi is scheduled to return to the General Court Martial on July 31, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on his bail application. He faces charges relating to security offences and treachery before the military court chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa.
The former intelligence chief, who previously headed 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 secure operational funds.
According to the prosecution, the alleged false intelligence was also linked to security operations in which civilians were fatally shot and later presented as suspected suicide bombers. The incidents 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 two of Birungi’s co-accused.
Brig Gen James Ruhesi was released after meeting bail conditions of UGX 10 million cash and a UGX 25 million non-cash bond backed by sureties.
Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces similar charges, was also granted bail after the court set UGX 4 million cash bail and a UGX 10 million non-cash bond, secured by sureties.
Meanwhile, Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera were remanded after failing to present acceptable sureties. The two officers are expected back in court on July 31, 2026.
Lt Paddy Nahabwe was similarly remanded and is scheduled to reappear before the court on August 31, 2026.
Proceedings at the General Court Martial in Makindye have been conducted under tight security, with access to the courtroom restricted for members of the media.
The case stems from an internal UPDF Board of Inquiry into intelligence and counterterrorism operations. The inquiry was chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, and forms part of the military’s broader accountability process.
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