Ex-CMI boss Maj Gen Birungi remanded as court grants bail to co-accused in treachery case.
BY OKIDI PATRICK
KAMPALA,UGANDA–The General Court Martial sitting at Makindye has remanded former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence Director, Maj Gen James Birungi, to Makindye Military Barracks after denying him bail for failure to provide sureties.
Maj Gen Birungi, now head of the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security, CDIS, will return to court on 31st July 2026 for judgment. He is facing charges related to security and treachery before the court chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa.
The former CMI chief, who was arrested in August 2025, was arraigned alongside other UPDF officers over allegations that fabricated intelligence reports were used to obtain operational funds.
The alleged false intelligence is also linked to security operations in which civilians were shot and later presented as suspected suicide bombers. The incidents include shootings 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 UGX 10 million cash bail and a UGX 25 million non-cash bond with sureties.
Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces the same charges, was granted UGX 4 million cash bail and a UGX 10 million non-cash bond with sureties.
The court also remanded Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera after they failed to present sureties. Both will return to court on 31st July 2026.
Lt Paddy Nahabwe was similarly remanded and is due back on 31st August 2026.
Proceedings at Makindye have been conducted under tight security, with media access to the courtroom restricted.
The case follows a Board of Inquiry into intelligence and counterterrorism operations chaired by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding. It is seen as a significant step in the UPDF’s internal accountability process.
Former CMI Director Maj Gen James Birungi appears before the General Court Martial at Makindye on Tuesday. Photo Courtesy.
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