Kampala, Uganda
Former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) commander Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded to military custody after appearing before the General Court Martial in Makindye on charges of treachery and other security-related offences.
The senior military officer, once regarded as a key figure within Uganda’s intelligence system, appeared before the court under tight security alongside Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga and other UPDF officers accused of participating in alleged illegal intelligence operations.
The hearing attracted intense public and media attention, with heavily armed military police surrounding the Makindye court premises throughout the day. Journalists attempting to cover the proceedings reported being blocked from accessing parts of the military facility, while several were briefly detained during security checks.
Court officials stated that the charges arise from ongoing investigations into alleged irregular intelligence activities and operations believed to have been conducted outside official military structures. Prosecutors allege that the accused officers engaged in acts considered prejudicial to national security, although full details of the allegations were not publicly disclosed during the session.
Maj Gen Birungi previously led the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence before the agency underwent reforms and was renamed the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS). During his tenure at CMI, the agency played a major role in internal security, counterterrorism operations, and intelligence gathering across the country.
His prosecution marks one of the highest-profile military cases involving a former intelligence chief in Uganda’s recent history. Political observers say the case reflects growing internal scrutiny within sections of the security establishment and could reveal deeper tensions surrounding past intelligence operations.
The temporary detention of journalists at the court martial also triggered concern among press freedom advocates, who criticised restrictions on media access during proceedings involving matters of national importance.
Maj Gen Birungi and his co-accused were remanded until their next appearance before the General Court Martial as military investigators continue gathering evidence in the case.
