Maj Gen Otto Takes Over as New Military Intelligence Chief

Maj Gen Richard Otto has assumed office as the new Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security from Maj Gen James Birungi.

Speaking during the function, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the Land Forces called upon senior military officers to uphold the core values of leadership, trust, and responsibility in fulfilling their duties.

Emphasising the doctrine of mission command, Lt Gen Muhanga highlighted five essential pillars: leadership, trust, decision-making, welfare of subordinates, and decentralisation.

He urged officers to internalise these principles to enhance command effectiveness.

“Leadership is not merely a position. It is a responsibility that demands sound decision-making, emotional intelligence, and moral courage,” he said. “You can have intelligence, you can have supplies, but without leadership, it all falls apart.”

Maj Gen Otto described his appointment as a profound honour and a reflection of the trust earned through years of service in high-stakes roles.

“This is not the first time I’ve been entrusted with sensitive positions. Each one of them has been a test of trust and leadership,” he said, citing his leadership of UPDF missions in the Central African Republic and later in Somalia in 2020.

He pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, address emerging and ongoing security threats, and safeguard national stability, particularly in the lead-up to the next general elections.

Before this appointment, Maj Gen Otto served as Commander of the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa.

Outgoing Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen James Birungi, expressed appreciation to President Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the opportunity to serve, and welcomed his next assignment as Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division.

He extended his congratulations to Maj Gen Otto and assured him of continued support during the transition.

“As you settle in, my lines of communication remain open should you require any support,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers from the Land Force, Air Force, Special Forces Command, and Defence Intelligence.

Maj Gen Richard Otto replaces Maj Gen James Birungi who was appointed Mountain Division Commander.