The General Court Martial sitting in Makindye has further remanded the former Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen James Mugabe Birungi, until Thursday, 24 September 2026, after his surety failed to appear in court to support his bail application.

The court, chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukachungurwa, ordered the remand on Monday when the two-star general’s bail hearing stalled due to the missing surety. Following the ruling, Maj Gen Birungi was returned under escort to the Military Police barracks detention facility in Makindye, where he will remain until proceedings resume.

The allegations and defense. The senior military officer is facing charges related to breach of security and treachery before the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) highest tribunal. State prosecutors allege that Birungi, who was arrested in August 2025, oversaw the fabrication of false intelligence reports—including false terrorist threat alerts—to improperly draw operational funds. Birungi has vehemently denied all charges, maintaining his innocence and asserting through his legal counsel that the allegations are unfounded.

Balanced assessment. While anti-corruption advocates and military watchers have welcomed the prosecution of senior commanders as a step toward accountability within the armed forces, civil liberties advocates have expressed concern over repeated procedural delays in the case. The defense notes that Birungi remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and a prompt hearing, though this marks the second time his bail hearing has been deferred due to surety issues following a similar delay in July.

In related court business on the same day, the tribunal sentenced two civilians, Benjamin Nsubuga and Benson Asiimwe, to two years' imprisonment each after both pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and wearing military uniform without authorization. King Musah Media will continue to follow developments at the Makindye court as Birungi's bail application reopens on Thursday.