Uganda’s former chief of military intelligence, Maj Gen James Birungi, has been arrested and detained at Makindye Military Police Prison, marking one of the most dramatic cases in recent military history. The James Birungi arrest follows findings from a high-level inquiry that uncovered compromised intelligence operations and corruption within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Officials say Birungi is expected to face trial before a military court martial on charges including treason, corruption, and other serious offences.
Inside the James Birungi Arrest
The inquiry, led by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, revealed a disturbing pattern of false intelligence reports, misuse of resources, and operational manipulation. Birungi’s downfall intensified after Maj Gen Richard Otto took over Defence Intelligence and launched internal reviews that exposed irregularities.
Also arrested were Col Peter Ahimbisibwe (former Director of Counter Terrorism) and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga (Director of Special Operations). The trio are accused of overseeing falsified intelligence operations and misappropriating funds.
ADF, Misinformation, and Muhoozi’s Purge
The James Birungi arrest is also tied to a 2023 intelligence failure when the UPDF prematurely declared notorious ADF commander Meddie Nkalubo dead. The claim, endorsed by Birungi, was later discredited after Nkalubo resurfaced. Investigators are probing whether a suspected ADF collaborator deliberately planted misinformation.
Birungi’s detention marks the first time a former CMI boss has been imprisoned after dismissal. His arrest comes under Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s wider purge of the UPDF, targeting corruption and inefficiency. Recent months have already seen senior officers, including Brig Bekunda Besigye, arrested over mismanagement.
A final report from the inquiry is due in the coming weeks, with sources warning that more arrests are expected as the army seeks to restore integrity in its intelligence system.
