Maj Gen James Birungi, the former Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI) , has been arrested and is currently detained at the Makindye Military Police Barracks, sources haave confirmed.
He reportedly faces charges, including treason, corruption, and related offences.
Bbeg Media understands that Birungi’s arrest follows an internal investigation initiated by the UPDF high command into alleged misconduct within the military’s intelligence directorate.
A high-level board of inquiry, chaired by Deputy CDF, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, was tasked with probing irregularities in the operations of the CMI, a critical arm of UPDF responsible for national security and counterterrorism intelligence.
The inquiry reportedly uncovered a range of grave issues under Birungi’s tenure, including the manipulation of intelligence reports, which may have compromised national security operations, and the alleged misuse of operational funds intended for intelligence and counterterrorism activities. Sources within the military indicate that these findings point to systemic breaches that undermined the effectiveness of Uganda’s intelligence apparatus.
A UPDF officer, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, suggested that Birungi’s arrest could be the tip of the iceberg, with more officers potentially facing prosecution as the inquiry progresses.
Maj Gen Birungi was once one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s military establishment. As head of the CMI, he oversaw critical intelligence operations, including counterterrorism efforts and the monitoring of internal and external security threats.
