The Chief of Defence Forces in the UPDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) chief Maj Gen James Birungi has been pardoned.
Gen Muhoozi said Birungi who is facing charges linked to fabricated intelligence reports and operational funds before the General Court Martial deserved a severe sentence but said he would be forgiven
“MG.Birungi committed great crimes against our army and people. He should rightly have faced a very severe sentence. However, I believe in Jesus Christ who always teaches forgiveness,” Gen Muhoozi wrote.
“Christ forgave me, who I’m I not to forgive myself. I have forgiven him. We will release him soon.” He added.
Birungi was arrested in 2025 over charges related to treachery, murder, and security-related offenses linked to fabricated intelligence reports and operational funds.
The army prosecution alleges that Birungi fabricated intelligence reports and manipulated security operations to obtain funds from the state.
He was recently denied bail after his sureties failed to show up.
A few weeks ago, a state informer with ADF, Hamza Lyavaala told the military court that he had been tortured and forced to make statements implicating Gen Birungi in murder and allegedly fabricated operations.
This was during the ongoing trial of Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, the former commander of special operations in Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) who is also accused of ochestrating fake bombs that led to death of three people last year.
