According to media reports, the two former intelligence chiefs were reportedly detained as authorities investigate allegations surrounding false intelligence reports and treachery.
The reported development comes less than three weeks after Kandiho and Bakahumura were among 19 senior UPDF generals who retired from active service on August 20, 2026, according to Daily Monitor.
Probe Into Alleged False Intelligence
The reported detention is linked to a wider military investigation involving allegations of false intelligence reports and treachery.
Several senior intelligence officers have reportedly been arrested in connection with the investigation, including former Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS) chief Maj. Gen. James Birungi, Director of Counter-Terrorism Col. Peter Ahimbisibwe, and Director of Special Operations Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga.
Reports indicate that Birungi and Byaruhanga have been charged with treachery before the General Court Martial and remanded to Makindye Military Police Barracks.
However, the specific allegations or charges involving Kandiho and Bakahumura had not been officially established at the time of publication.
Who Are Abel Kandiho and Charles Bakahumura?
Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho previously served as Chief of Military Intelligence, taking over the CMI leadership in 2017. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of major general before retiring from active military service.
Brig. Gen. Charles Bakahumura served as CMI chief from 2012 to 2017. He later became Chief of Logistics and Engineering, a position he reportedly held for several years before serving as Uganda’s defence attaché in Turkey.
The “Dancing Generals” Controversy
The reported development comes against the backdrop of a farewell ceremony for retiring UPDF generals held at State House on August 20, 2026.
A video showing some of the retiring generals dancing during the ceremony went viral on social media, generating significant public discussion.
UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba subsequently referred to the officers as the “dancing generals” and indicated that action would be taken.
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Gen. Muhoozi later announced the capture of one general and indicated that another would follow, adding to speculation surrounding the ongoing military investigations.
No Official Confirmation of Kandiho and Bakahumura’s Detention
Despite reports published by several media outlets, there was no official confirmation from the UPDF or other authorities regarding the reported detention of Abel Kandiho and Charles Bakahumura at the time of publication.
The exact charges, if any, against the two retired generals also remained unclear.
The allegations should therefore be treated as unverified reports and not as established facts until officially confirmed and determined through the appropriate legal process.
The investigation is reportedly ongoing, with sources indicating that additional individuals connected to the matter could be sought for questioning.
