Former Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as 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 due to his failure to present suitable sureties.
Maj Gen Birungi is scheduled to return to court on 31 July 2026 . He is facing charges related to security and treachery before the General Court Martial sitting at Makindye and chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa.
Birungi, who previously served as Chief of Military Intelligence before his arrest in August 2025, was arraigned alongside several other Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers over allegations that fabricated intelligence reports were used to fraudulently obtain operational funds.
The alleged fabricated intelligence is also linked to security operations in which civilians were shot and falsely presented as suspected suicide bombers, including incidents at Kalerwe Market and near the Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo during Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
In the same proceedings, the court granted bail to other accused officers.
Brig Gen James Ruhesi was released on bail of Shs10 million cash and Shs25 million non-cash, secured by sureties.
Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces similar charges, was granted bail of Shs4 million cash and Shs10 million non-cash, also secured by sureties.
The court, however, remanded Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera after they failed to present suitable sureties. Both are expected to reappear before the court on 31 July 2026.
Lt Paddy Nahabwe was also remanded and is scheduled to return to court on 31 August 2026.
Proceedings at the General Court Martial in Makindye have been conducted under tight security, with media access to the courtroom restricted.
The case marks a significant development in the UPDF’s internal accountability process following a Board of Inquiry into intelligence and counterterrorism operations chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
