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President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Maj Gen James Birungi, as the new commander of Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). He replaces Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, who was last year sanctioned by the United States government over human rights abuses.
Major General Kandiho
The UPDF spokesperson, Lt Col Ronald Kakurungu, could not be reached for a comment, but the news was confirmed by Land Forces Commander, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“I congratulate both Maj General Abel Kandiho and Maj General James Birungi on their new appointments,” Lt Gen Kainerugaba tweeted.
Maj. Gen. Birungi replaces Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho who has been at the helm of the Intelligence organization for the last five years. He replaces Burungi as a military attaché in South Sudan.
The appointment has been confirmed by the Chief of Land Forces Lt. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Kandiho’s transfer comes at a time when Gen. Muhoozi has just met Rwandan strongman, Gen. Paul Kagame.
“I congratulate both Maj. General Abel Kandiho and Maj. General James Birungi on their new appointments. Hongera sana,” Muhoozi said on his Twitter handle.
The Rwandan President has been critical of Kandiho’s operations at CMI. He has since accused of arresting and torturing Rwandans who enter Uganda illegally. He was slapped with financial sanctions by the U.S in December 2021.