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Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said that security forces have captured one of the retired military officers he recently referred to as one of the “dancing generals,” while warning that more arrests could follow.
Muhoozi made the remarks after reports emerged that two former chiefs of Uganda’s military intelligence, retired Major General Abel Kandiho and retired Brigadier General Charles Bakahumura, had been arrested by security operatives.
According to reports, Maj Gen Kandiho was arrested from his farm in Gomba District, while details surrounding the reported arrest of Brig Gen Bakahumura remained unclear.
The reported arrests came shortly after Gen Muhoozi criticised retired generals who attended a farewell ceremony at State House after leaving active military service.
During the farewell event, some retired UPDF officers were seen dancing as they celebrated their retirement, an incident that attracted attention and reactions from different sections of the public.
Muhoozi later referred to them as the “dancing generals” and warned that retirement did not mean they were beyond accountability if there were outstanding matters involving them.
Following reports of Kandiho’s arrest, Muhoozi announced that security agencies had managed to apprehend one of the officers he had earlier mentioned.
“We have captured one of the dancing Generals. Another one will be captured soon,” Muhoozi said.
Before the reported arrest, Muhoozi had specifically mentioned Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, claiming that he was at one of his farms in Gomba and suggesting that security forces would eventually find him.
“One is running for dear life in one of his farms in Gomba. He might try escaping to Rwanda. We shall capture him wherever he goes,” Muhoozi said.
The UPDF commander also claimed that other retired generals could be seeking refuge at the home of Gen Salim Saleh, Uganda’s senior military commander and younger brother to President Yoweri Museveni.
“The others must be hiding under Afande Saleh’s bed. But I will look for them,” Muhoozi said in his remarks.
Maj Gen Abel Kandiho is a former head of Uganda’s military intelligence and served as Chief of Military Intelligence before retiring from active military service.
Kandiho was one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s security sector during his time in military intelligence, where he held a senior position responsible for intelligence operations.
Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura is also a former Chief of Military Intelligence, having served in that role between 2012 and 2017.
After leaving the intelligence leadership position, Bakahumura later served as Chief of Logistics and Engineering and was also appointed as Uganda’s defence attaché in Turkey.
The reported arrests of the two former intelligence chiefs have generated public debate because of their previous roles and the statements made by Gen Muhoozi before the developments.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests, including the specific reasons behind the operations, have not been fully explained publicly by security authorities.
The matter has attracted attention as it involves former senior military officers who once played key roles within Uganda’s defence and intelligence structures.
Gen Muhoozi’s remarks indicate that security agencies could continue pursuing other retired officers linked to the group he described as the “dancing generals.”
As investigations and developments continue, attention remains focused on the reported arrests and whether more retired military officers will be affected by the ongoing actions.
