Two retired senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces who previously headed military intelligence have been arrested as a probe into alleged false intelligence reports and related offences widens.

Maj Gen (rtd) Abel Kandiho and Brig Gen (rtd) Charles Bakahumura were picked up on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, less than three weeks after they formally left active service. Both had at different times commanded the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as the Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS).

Military sources confirmed the arrests, stating that the two were among 19 generals who retired on 20 August 2026 at a ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe.

Kandiho was appointed CMI chief in January 2017 while still a Colonel. He was later promoted to Brigadier and then Major General. Bakahumura headed CMI from 2012 to 2017 before serving as Chief of Logistics and Engineering for seven years, becoming the longest-serving officer in that position.

The arrests are linked to an inquiry reportedly sanctioned by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. A source familiar with the investigation said more people connected to the same file remain wanted.

Their detention follows the earlier arrest of other senior intelligence officers over the alleged production of false intelligence reports. Those previously detained include former DIS chief Maj Gen James Birungi, Director of Counter-Terrorism Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, and Director of Special Operations Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga.

Gen Muhoozi had earlier made public remarks referring to “dancing Generals” from the retirement ceremony and indicated that one of them was being sought at a farm in Gomba District. Kandiho was subsequently picked up from his farm in Gomba.

The developments come amid a broader restructuring and accountability drive within the military intelligence apparatus as the UPDF continues its transition under the current high command.

Details of the specific charges against the two retired generals have not been officially released. Military sources have limited their comments, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigations.