Two ‘Dancing Generals’ arrested as intelligence probe widens

What the report says

Kampala, Uganda — The Independent Uganda reports that two retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces generals who previously led military intelligence have been arrested as a wider investigation into alleged false intelligence and treachery continues. The detained officers are retired Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho and retired Brig. Gen. Charles Bakahumura, both of whom once commanded the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, now known as the Defence Intelligence and Security directorate.

According to military sources cited by the publisher, the two were picked up on Tuesday morning, less than three weeks after they left active service. They were among 19 generals retired on August 20, 2026. The report says the arrests are connected to an inquiry allegedly authorized by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and that more people linked to the same file may still be sought.

The development comes after other senior intelligence officers were arrested over allegations of producing false intelligence reports. Those named in the report include former DIS chief Maj. Gen. James Birungi, Col. Peter Ahimbisibwe and Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga. The article says Birungi and Byaruhanga have already been charged with treachery before the Court Martial and remanded.

The Independent also reported that the UPDF had not issued an official statement at the time of publication. The arrests are significant because they involve former top intelligence leaders and suggest the internal probe is still expanding.