news 12 October 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Witness Alleges Torture by CMI Commander to Implicate Gen. Birungi
A state informer convicted of murder has accused former deputy Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI) commander, Brig. Gen. Abdul Rugumayo, of torturing him to falsely implicate detained Gen. James Birungi in a fabricated bomb plot. Source: https://observer.ug/news/cmi-commander-tortured-me-to-implicate-gen-birungi-witness
Hamza Lyavala, currently serving a murder conviction related to alleged fake bomb attacks in Kampala, has made serious accusations against Brig. Gen. Abdul Rugumayo, formerly the deputy head of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
Appearing before the General Court Martial, Lyavala testified that Rugumayo pressured him to falsely claim that Gen. James Birungi, who is currently detained, had provided Shs 10 million to facilitate alleged bomb missions. Lyavala stated that Rugumayo even provided specific wording for the accusation, which he refused to use as it was untrue.
These allegations surfaced during Lyavala’s cross-examination by defence lawyer Frank Kanduho. Lyavala detailed how, while recording a statement at the Special Investigations Bureau in June 2025, Rugumayo allegedly became aggressive. According to Lyavala, his initial statement, which contained his factual account, was torn up by Rugumayo because it did not implicate Gen. Birungi as desired.
Lyavala recounted that his first statement was unsatisfactory to Rugumayo’s interests. He later provided a second statement after experiencing what he described as torture from Rugumayo, which included the coerced attempt to implicate Gen. Birungi with financial involvement in the alleged plots.
Lyavala’s testimony also touched upon his transition from a member of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) to working as a government informer. He detailed how he provided intelligence that led to several arrests and the recovery of firearms. He also discussed his role in alleged staged incidents in Munyonyo and Kalerwe, which the prosecution contends were created to simulate a terrorist threat.
Lyavala and his co-accused, Adil Walusansa, have pleaded guilty to murder charges related to the Munyonyo incident. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty, while the defence is pleading for leniency. The trial of Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga, accused of orchestrating these events, is ongoing.
These allegations against Brig. Gen. Rugumayo were made in court proceedings and have not been independently verified. The source is The Observer (Uganda).