KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) — Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said he has forgiven detained Maj Gen James Birungi, the former head of military intelligence, and promised that he would be released soon.
In a message posted on his X account on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Muhoozi acknowledged that Birungi had committed what he described as serious crimes against the army and the Ugandan people, but said his Christian faith had led him to forgive the general.
“MG. Birungi committed great crimes against our army and people. He should rightly have faced a very severe sentence. However, I believe in Jesus Christ who always teaches forgiveness,” Muhoozi wrote.
He added: “Christ forgave me, who I’m I not to forgive myself. I have forgiven him. We will release him soon.”
The statement signals a possible change in the circumstances surrounding Birungi, who was arrested in August 2025 and subsequently faced charges before the General Court Martial.
Birungi previously headed the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as the Defence Intelligence and Security directorate. He was detained following investigations into alleged irregularities in military intelligence operations and claims that false intelligence about terrorist threats had been generated to obtain operational funds.
The investigations also examined intelligence reports surrounding incidents in which individuals were presented as suspected suicide bombers, including incidents near the Munyonyo Catholic Shrine during Martyrs’ Day celebrations and in Kampala’s Kalerwe area.
Birungi has faced serious allegations, including treachery and offences relating to security. The allegations have not been established through a final court determination.
Before his arrest, Birungi had held several senior military positions, including commander of the Special Forces Command and head of military intelligence. In 2025, he was transferred from the intelligence directorate and later posted to Burundi as Uganda’s defence attaché before his detention.
His arrest followed a wider military inquiry into alleged manipulation of intelligence and the handling of counterterrorism operations. The inquiry examined claims involving military officers and civilian informers.
Muhoozi’s Thursday statement did not specify a release date or explain the legal arrangements under which Birungi would be freed. It also remains unclear how the promised release will affect any outstanding charges before the military court.
