In a surprising move, the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced the reassignment of Maj. Gen. James Birungi from his post as commanding officer of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division to Burundi as Uganda's Defense Attaché and Military Advisor. This decision, made public on Wednesday evening by Col. Chris Magezi, the military assistant to the CDF, signals a significant reshuffle within the UPDF's operational and diplomatic command structure.
Maj. Gen. Birungi was appointed to lead the Mountain Division on April 16, 2025, following a swap with Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, who took over the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). Prior to this appointment, Birungi had been heading CMI since 2020.
This sudden change in command comes amidst ongoing investigations into two senior officers from CMI, who are suspected of involvement in subversive activities. The officers, believed to be a Colonel and a Major, were reportedly close allies of Gen. Birungi during his leadership at the intelligence agency.
Although the UPDF has not made any public link between the probe and Birungi's reassignment, the timing of the move has sparked speculation.
In June, security operatives handled two terror-related incidents involving women, thought to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Although unconfirmed, military sources suggest that CMI operatives may have been involved in the incidents. The UPDF has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
In the aftermath of Gen. Birungi's departure, Brig. Gen. Paul Muwonge, previously deputy commander of the Mountain Division, has been promoted to succeed him. Muwonge recently accompanied Gen. Muhoozi on an official mission to Kinshasa, DR Congo, and will also take over the coordination of Operation Shujaa, the joint UPDF-FARDC offensive targeting ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo.
Brig. Gen. Simon Ochan, who has completed his diplomatic tour in Burundi, will be replaced by Maj. Gen. Birungi. Ochan is expected to report to the Joint Services Headquarters for reassignment.
The UPDF has described these changes as part of its regular command adjustments aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and regional cooperation.
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