Former Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after the General Court Martial denied him bail over failure to present sureties.
Birungi, who once served as Chief of Military Intelligence, will remain in custody until July 31, 2026 when the court is expected to deliver its judgment. He is facing charges related to security and treachery before the General Court Martial sitting in Makindye and chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa.
The senior officer was arrested in August 2025 and later arraigned alongside several Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers over allegations that fabricated intelligence reports were used to fraudulently obtain operational funds.
Prosecution alleges that some of the intelligence reports were linked to controversial security operations in which civilians were shot dead and later presented as suspected suicide bombers. These incidents reportedly occurred at Kalerwe market and near the Catholic shrine in Munyonyo during Martyrs Day celebrations.
In the same proceedings, the court granted bail to some of the co-accused officers. Brig Gen James Ruhesi was released on bail of Shs 10 million cash and Shs 25 million non cash, bonded by sureties.
Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces similar charges, was also granted bail of Shs 4 million cash and Shs 10 million non cash.
However, Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera were remanded after failing to present sureties. The two are expected back in court on July 31, 2026.
Lt Paddy Nahabwe was similarly remanded and is scheduled to reappear on August 31, 2026.
Proceedings at the Makindye-based court martial have been conducted under tight security, with restricted media access to the courtroom.
The case stems from an internal UPDF accountability process following a Board of Inquiry into intelligence and counterterrorism operations. The probe was chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
