New Intelligence Chief Maj Gen Otto Urged to Uphold Strong Leadership

Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the Land Force of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has called on senior military officers to uphold the foundational values of leadership, trust, and responsibility in the execution of their duties.

He made the remarks during a handover ceremony for the office of the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, where Maj Gen Richard Otto officially assumed the role, succeeding Maj Gen James Birungi.

The event took place at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya.

Speaking at the event, Lt Gen Muhanga emphasised the UPDF’s mission command doctrine, anchored on five critical pillars: leadership, trust, decision-making, the welfare of subordinates, and decentralisation.

He urged officers to internalise and apply these principles for effective command and operational success.

“Leadership is not just a title; it is a burden of responsibility that calls for sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and moral courage,” Lt Gen Muhanga noted. “You may have intelligence and supplies, but without leadership, everything collapses.”

In his remarks, Maj Gen Otto expressed deep gratitude for the appointment, describing it as a testament to the trust placed in him through his years of dedicated service in complex military operations. He referenced his previous command roles in the Central African Republic and Somalia in 2020 as key milestones that shaped his leadership journey.

“This appointment is both an honour and a duty. I’m committed to building upon the foundation laid by Maj Gen Birungi and addressing both current and emerging security threats, especially as we approach the next general elections,” he pledged.

Before this new role, Maj Gen Otto served as Commander of the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, leading key operations in Uganda’s eastern region and beyond.

Outgoing Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen James Birungi, thanked President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the opportunity to serve in a critical strategic role. He welcomed his redeployment as Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division and extended his congratulations to his successor.

“As you take on this responsibility, know that my support remains available. My lines of communication are open during your transition,” Maj Gen Birungi assured Maj Gen Otto.

The ceremony was graced by high-ranking officials from the Land Force, Air Force, Special Forces Command, and Defence Intelligence, reflecting the importance of the occasion and the unity within Uganda’s security architecture.