Former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) boss, James Birungi, has been formally charged with treachery and other security-related offences before the General Court Martial in Makindye, in a case that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s security establishment.
Maj Gen Birungi appeared before the military court on Monday alongside several other senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, including Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, the former Director of Special Operations.
The court session was chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa under tight military security.
The former intelligence chief, once regarded as one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s security system, was remanded to military custody as investigations continue into allegations linked to controversial intelligence and counterterrorism operations.
Security around the Makindye-based military court was significantly heightened ahead of the hearing, with armed personnel restricting access to the premises.
Several journalists attempting to cover the proceedings were reportedly detained temporarily by security operatives before later being allowed access to the court area.
The development marks a dramatic fall for Maj Gen Birungi, who previously headed CMI before the agency was restructured into the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).
During his tenure, he oversaw some of Uganda’s most sensitive intelligence and counterterrorism operations.
According to reports presented before the court, prosecutors accuse the senior officers of participating in operations allegedly linked to fabricated intelligence reports and irregular security activities.
The charges stem from investigations that began following an internal military inquiry into intelligence operations and the alleged misuse of classified operational funds.
Maj Gen Birungi was first arrested in August 2025 and detained at Makindye Military Barracks after reportedly appearing before a high-level military inquiry chaired by Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
At the time, military authorities indicated that investigations were focusing on alleged misconduct within military intelligence structures.
His arrest and subsequent prosecution have become one of the highest-profile military cases in recent years, raising fresh questions about accountability within Uganda’s intelligence and security agencies.
The court-martial proceedings continue as investigations into the alleged offences intensify.
 boss, James Birungi, has been formally charged with treachery and other security-related offences before the General Court Martial in Makindye, in a case that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s security establishment.){kind=link}