Uganda’s former Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General James Birungi, has been arrested and is currently detained at Makindye Military Police Prison.
He is expected to face trial before the General Court Martial on multiple charges, including treason, corruption, and other serious offences, according to defence officials who spoke on Friday.
The arrest follows findings from a high-level Board of Inquiry chaired by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding. The board was tasked with investigating allegations of compromised intelligence operations and internal misconduct within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“This is not an isolated case. It reflects broader structural issues that were uncovered by the inquiry,” a senior defence official told Chimp Reports on condition of anonymity.
“The investigation revealed a pattern of misinformation, abuse of resources, and operational manipulation.”
Military sources revealed that Maj Gen Birungi came under increased scrutiny following the appointment of Maj Gen Richard Otto as the new Chief of Defence Intelligence earlier this year.
Upon taking office, Otto reportedly initiated a series of internal audits and reviews, which unearthed several irregularities linked to Birungi and some of his senior colleagues.
Also arrested in connection with the case are: Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, former Director of Counter-Terrorism and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, former Director of Special Operations
The arrests mark one of the most significant internal shake-ups in the UPDF’s intelligence community in recent years, and further developments are expected as the military court proceedings begin.
Additional reporting by Chimp Reports
