Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chief of defense forces, has appointed Maj. Gen. Richard Otto as the new chief of defense intelligence and security (CDIS) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). These changes have been announced on Wednesday evening on Uncovered Ug broadcast networks.
Maj. Gen. Otto, who has been serving as the commander of the Mountain Infantry Division based in Fort Portal, replaces Maj. Gen. James Birungi, who will now assume command of the Mountain Division.
According to a statement by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the Mountain Division Commander also serves as the Joint Task Force Commander of UPDF troops under Operation Shujaa, which is currently conducting offensive operations against Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Also Read: Rebecca Kadaga Receives An African Award of “Good Governance”
“The UPDF fraternity congratulates the general officers on their new appointments and wishes them good luck in their future endeavors,” Col. Magezi said.
Maj. Gen. Otto brings to the intelligence docket deep operational experience, having previously led UPDF’s 3rd Division in Moroto and served as Uganda’s defense attaché in Kinshasa.
Maj. Gen. James Birungi, now heading to Fort Portal to take charge of the Mountain Division, has held several key posts in the UPDF, including Chief of Military Intelligence and Commander of the elite Special Forces Command.
In conclusion, his involvement in leading one of UPDF’s most active combat units signals the strategic importance the military continues to place on the operation in the DRC.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
Latest entries
National News2 November 2026Iganga mourns former Woman MP Olivia Kwagala after death at 57- Entertainment1 November 2026Ugandan Comedian Kapere Reportedly Dies at Hospital in Buddo
- Football31 October 2026Chelsea Beat Manchester United 2-0 as Rogers and Palmer Seal Stamford Bridge Victory
- Editor's Picks31 October 2026Chelsea Face Manchester United Test as Both Sides Seek Premier League Response
