Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that he has forgiven embattled former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) boss Maj. Gen. James Birungi, who is facing trial before the General Court Martial.
Muhoozi said Birungi had committed serious crimes against the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the public but deserved forgiveness, citing his Christian faith.
In a post on his X account, Muhoozi said the former intelligence chief could have faced a severe sentence but that he had decided to forgive him.
“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. Christ forgave me, who am I not to forgive myself. I have forgiven him. We will release him soon,” Muhoozi wrote.
The announcement signals a possible change in Birungi’s circumstances as he faces treachery charges before the military court.
However, Muhoozi did not specify when Birungi would be released or outline the legal and procedural steps to be taken to secure his release.
It also remains unclear whether the decision will result in the withdrawal of the charges against Birungi or another legal arrangement to end his detention and trial.
Birungi’s case comes amid continued scrutiny of military justice proceedings involving serving and former UPDF officers.
