Gen Muhoozi Orders Release of Former CMI Boss Maj Gen Birungi

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered the release of former military intelligence chief Maj Gen James Birungi, who has been in military detention since August 2025.

Maj Gen Birungi previously served as the head of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), which has since been renamed the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS). He has been facing grave charges relating to treachery and national security offenses.

The First Son announced his decision to pardon the senior military officer through his official account on X, formerly Twitter. According to the announcement, the decision to set the former spy master free was heavily influenced by his Christian faith and the principle of forgiveness, despite acknowledging the gravity of the alleged offenses.

Prior to this release order, the two-star general had been remanded at the Makindye Military Police Detention Center as legal proceedings advanced before the General Court Martial, chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa. The case has also intersected with separate legal proceedings involving convicted informers and military personnel facing related charges over staged incidents.

Further details regarding the directive and the formal conclusion of the military court proceedings are expected to follow as the situation develops within the UPDF structures.

Read more details in the Daily Monitor report.