security 6 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Ex-CMI Director Maj Gen Birungi Remanded for Treachery
Former Director of Military Intelligence, Maj. Gen. James Birungi, has been remanded by the General Court Martial on charges of treachery and security-related offenses. He faces allegations of fabricating intelligence to unduly acquire government funds. Source: https://observer.ug/news/former-spy-master-maj-gen-birungi-remanded-over-cooking-up-terror-intelligence
The General Court Martial at Makindye has ordered the detention of Maj. Gen. James Birungi, formerly the head of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). Birungi appeared before the court alongside three other Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, who are reportedly facing murder charges.
Birungi’s arraignment comes nearly a year after his arrest in August 2025. He faces serious charges including treachery and offenses related to national security. Unconfirmed reports suggest the charges stem from allegations that he provided false intelligence, particularly concerning counterfeit fuel and suspected suicide bombers, with the intent to fraudulently obtain government funds.
The three co-accused officers are linked to the fatal shootings of individuals during separate security operations, including a woman near Kalerwe Market and a man in Munyonyo during Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. The identities of these officers have not been officially confirmed.
Journalists were denied access to photograph the proceedings or report from within the courtroom, indicating a high level of security and sensitivity surrounding the case. Maj. Alex Echeru, who led the escorting security team, enforced these restrictions.
Maj. Gen. Birungi and his co-accused have been remanded in custody at Makindye Military Barracks until August 3, 2026. This development follows Birungi’s earlier removal from his command of the Mountain Infantry Division by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, shortly after his appointment. Birungi was transferred from CMI in April 2025, swapping positions with Maj. Gen. Richard Otto.
Notably, Maj. Gen. Birungi was previously listed as a state witness in the treason case against Dr. Kizza Besigye and others. His current prosecution on treachery charges carries severe penalties, including the possibility of a death sentence if convicted.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)