By Our Reporter
Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces, has urged senior officers to uphold the fundamental values of leadership, accountability, and integrity in carrying out their responsibilities.
He made the remarks during a ceremony to officially hand over the office of Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security to Maj Gen Richard Otto, who takes over from Maj Gen James Birungi. The event took place at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya.
Stressing the importance of the mission command doctrine, Lt Gen Muhanga outlined five key pillars: leadership, trust, sound judgement, troop welfare, and decentralisation of authority. He encouraged officers to embrace these principles in order to improve command efficiency.
“Leadership goes beyond holding a title. It entails making sound decisions, demonstrating emotional maturity, and showing moral strength,” he said. “You may have all the intelligence and logistical support, but without strong leadership, everything crumbles.”
Maj Gen Otto described his new role as a great privilege and a testament to the confidence placed in him following years of service in sensitive and demanding roles. “This is not my first time handling high-level assignments. Each has tested my ability to lead and inspire trust,” he said, referencing his leadership in UPDF operations in the Central African Republic and later in Somalia in 2020.
He committed to building upon the groundwork laid by his predecessor, confronting both existing and emerging threats, and ensuring national security—especially as the country prepares for the next general elections.
Before this appointment, Maj Gen Otto served as the Commander of the Mountain Division and led Operation Shujaa.
Outgoing Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen James Birungi, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for entrusting him with the role. He also shared his readiness to take on his next duty as Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division.
He congratulated Maj Gen Otto and assured him of his full support during the handover period.
“As you assume this office, feel free to reach out if you ever need guidance,” he added.
The ceremony was graced by senior officers from the Land Forces, Air Force, Special Forces Command, and Defence Intelligence.
