Gen Muhoozi Orders Release of Ex-CMI Chief Charles Bakahumura

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the release of retired Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura from military detention. The former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) director had been held as part of an expanding military investigation into alleged treachery and false intelligence.

Gen Muhoozi announced the decision on his official social media account, noting that the move aims to heal past divisions within the armed forces. “I have decided to release General Bakahumura from detention today. We shall repair the relations that were broken in the past,” the CDF posted.

Brig Gen Bakahumura and fellow retired intelligence chief Maj Gen Abel Kandiho were initially detained shortly after their official retirement during a State House ceremony. The arrests followed a sweeping security inquiry that intensified after viral videos showed retired generals celebrating their departure from active service.

The military crackdown has also targeted several other high-ranking officers within the intelligence hierarchy. Former Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS) chief Maj Gen James Birungi, Director of Counter-Terrorism Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, and Director of Special Operations Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga were all caught in the sweep. Maj Gen Birungi and Lt Col Byaruhanga have already been charged with treachery before the General Court Martial and remanded to Makindye.

As the broader investigation continues, military authorities have yet to release a comprehensive formal statement regarding the ongoing probes and the status of other detained officers.

Read more on the Daily Monitor.