Military Intelligence Bosses Face Fallout Over Hidden Deals

There is growing tension inside Uganda’s top spy agency, Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), as disturbing details begin to emerge about how two top military officers got their powerful positions—and the dirty secrets now following them.

Col Peter Ahimbisibwe and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, who lead Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations at DIS, are now under the spotlight after a series of botched intelligence operations that left three Ugandans dead. The situation forced Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, to order an investigation.

Even though the army has denied reports that the two men were arrested, sources say pressure is piling on them. Many within security circles are now asking how these officers made it to the top despite a clouded past. Some say the problem goes beyond rank and experience—they believe loyalty to powerful people and silence over past scandals may have played a bigger role in their appointment.

Insiders claim the two were pushed into DIS by Maj Gen James Birungi, and have long been seen as his favourites. But after Birungi was transferred to Burundi, things started falling apart for them. Many believe they were not qualified for their high-ranking jobs and only got them through connections.

There are also serious claims that the two officers were involved in gold scandals and were once linked to cattle theft while deployed in the Karamoja region. Although army spokespersons dismissed these claims, suspicions remain high.

Now, a team of investigators from the Uganda Police Force, led by top officers, has been tasked with finding out what’s going wrong within the DIS. There is concern that some officers are using fake threats to cause panic in government, just to make money.

People familiar with the case say this behaviour reminds them of what happened during the northern Uganda war, when a few individuals got rich by exaggerating security threats. Many fear the same trend is returning.

There is now a loud call for clean-up inside Uganda’s security system. Many believe people trusted with protecting the country should not use their positions for personal gain. The spotlight is now firmly on DIS, and the public is waiting for answers