Why former CMI chief Gen. Birungi was denied bail

Former Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) now the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (C DIS), Maj Gen. James Birungi was yesterday remanded to Makindye Military Barracks after the General Court Martial denied him bail over a failure to provide sureties.

Maj Gen Birungi is due to return to court on 31 July 2026 for judgment. He faces charges of offences relating to security and treachery before the General Court Martial sitting at Makindye, chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa.

Maj Gen Birungi, who previously served as Chief of Military Intelligence before his arrest in August 2025, was arraigned alongside several other Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers in connection with 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 wrongly 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 set at UGX 10m cash and UGX 25m non-cash to be secured by sureties.

Maj Innocent Mugumya, who faces the same charges, was granted bail of UGX 4m cash and UGX 10m non-cash with sureties.

The court also remanded Col David Kidega and Capt Kenneth Labwon Kinyera after they failed to provide sureties.
Both are expected to appear on 31 July 2026.

Lt Paddy Nahabwe was similarly remanded and will appear on 31 August 2026.

Proceedings at 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, chaired into intelligence and counterterrorism operations.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen. Sam Okiding chaired this Board of Inquiry.

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