Brig Oscar Munanura has been promoted to Acting Major General and appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), replacing Maj Gen Richard Otto.
The appointment was announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in a statement issued by Col Chris Magezi, the acting director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, approved Munanura’s promotion and appointment, according to the statement.
Munanura previously served as deputy chief of Defence Intelligence and Security under Otto, who has been seconded to the Joint Staff Human Resource Management for redeployment.
“The UPDF fraternity congratulates Ag Maj General Oscar Munanura for the promotion and appointment, and commends Maj General Richard Otto for the great work he has done during his tenure,” Magezi said.
The statement also wished the two officers success in their new assignments but did not provide details about Otto’s next deployment or explain the circumstances behind the leadership changes.
Munanura’s appointment places him in charge of the UPDF department responsible for defence intelligence and security.
The changes mark a transition in the leadership of the military intelligence department, with Munanura moving from the deputy position to head the directorate.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs did not provide further details about when the new appointment takes effect or the specific responsibilities attached to Otto’s next assignment.
