Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered the release of former military intelligence chief Brig Gen (rtd) Charles Bakahumura, raising the prospect of reconciliation within the senior ranks of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces after a sweeping investigation into alleged treachery and false intelligence.
Gen Muhoozi announced the decision on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in a brief statement on his official X account, saying the military leadership would seek to restore relations that had deteriorated in the past.
“I have decided to release General Bakahumura from detention today. We shall repair the relations that were broken in the past,” Gen Muhoozi posted.
The decision marks a notable development in an investigation that has brought several senior military officers under arrest, including two former heads of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
Bakahumura was detained alongside Maj Gen (rtd) Abel Kandiho as part of an extensive inquiry authorised by Gen Muhoozi. The arrests reportedly took place less than three weeks after the two officers retired from active service.
Both generals were among 19 senior officers retired at a State House ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Museveni on August 20, 2026.
The CDF did not explain the circumstances surrounding Bakahumura’s release or indicate whether the former intelligence chief would remain under investigation.
His announcement nevertheless introduced a conciliatory note into a probe that has exposed tensions within the military’s senior leadership and intelligence structures.
Seven years in military intelligence
Bakahumura occupied one of the military’s most influential intelligence positions, serving as CMI chief from 2012 to 2017 before the directorate was restructured into Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS).
After his departure from military intelligence, he was appointed Chief of Logistics and Engineering, where he served for seven years, becoming the longest-serving officer in the position.
His subsequent detention alongside Kandiho placed two former intelligence chiefs at the centre of an investigation involving allegations of treachery and the transmission of false intelligence.
The inquiry has since extended to other senior officers who served in intelligence, counter-terrorism and special operations.
Former DIS chief Maj Gen James Birungi, Director of Counter-Terrorism Col Peter Ahimbisibwe and Director of Special Operations Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga have all been detained.
Birungi and Byaruhanga were charged with treachery.
Investigators are also said to be pursuing other individuals believed to be connected to the case.
The military has not publicly disclosed the full list of suspects or provided a comprehensive account of the allegations against the officers.
How the retirement ceremony sparked arrests
The investigation gained momentum after videos circulated showing retired generals celebrating their departure from active military service during the State House ceremony.
The celebrations drew an unusually sharp response from Gen Muhoozi, who questioned the conduct of the officers at the formal send-off presided over by President Museveni.
In remarks posted online, the CDF warned that the military would investigate officers whose celebrations he considered excessive.
“I think from now it’s forbidden for generals to dance too much next to State House. We are investigating all the generals who were dancing too much. They will be arrested soon,” Gen Muhoozi stated.
He later intensified his criticism of the officers, questioning whether their conduct reflected relief at leaving the military.
“This is NONSENSE! And ALL involved will be arrested! They were dancing because they were happy to be free of UPDF?”
The statements preceded the detention of several retired and serving officers as the investigation widened.
Gen Muhoozi again signalled that security operations were targeting senior officers linked to the retirement celebrations, announcing that one of the “dancing Generals” had been captured and that another was expected to follow.
A possible shift towards reconciliation
The release announcement stands out against the broader military investigation, which has already resulted in arrests and treachery charges against senior officers.
Gen Muhoozi’s pledge to repair relations with Bakahumura suggests that the military leadership may be seeking to address some of the divisions that have emerged within its senior ranks.
It remains unclear whether the decision will lead to the release of other detained retired officers or alter the proceedings against those already facing charges before the General Court Martial.
For Bakahumura, the announcement ends his detention, but questions remain about his status in the investigation and the allegations that led to his arrest.
The CDF’s statement offered no further details, leaving the military probe ongoing even as the leadership signals a willingness to restore relations with at least one of the retired generals caught up in it.
Meanwhile, Muhoozi recently announced he had forgiven another former intelligence chief who had been accused of cooking intelligence reports and engaging in plans to plant bombs. (See Details Here).
