Maj. Gen. Munanura takes over as Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security
He pledged to execute his responsibilities with diligence, honour and commitment, promising visionary and professional leadership.
Maj Gen Richard Otto (R) handing over to Ag Maj Gen Oscar Munanura (L) as Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja looks on during the handover ceremony at MODVA HQ. (Credit: UPDF)
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Major General Oscar Munanura has assumed office as the new Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, succeeding Maj. Gen. Richard Otto.
The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), in a statement, said the ceremony was presided over by the Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The function took place at the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) on Monday (November 9, 2026). The CDIS is formerly the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
Major General Oscar Munanura pledged to execute his responsibilities with diligence, honour and commitment, promising visionary and professional leadership. (Credit: UPDF)
Muhanga commended Otto for his remarkable contributions to the intelligence establishment, long service and professional record, describing his tenure as a success story worthy of recognition.
"Delayed intelligence could compromise operations, while compromised intelligence poses a threat to soldiers on the battlefield," he observed.
Muhanga challenged the incoming DIS chief to uphold the expectations of the army leadership through hard work, commitment, discipline, loyalty and passion for duty.
Munanura thanked the Commander-in-Chief (President Yoweri Museveni) and the CDF for the trust and confidence placed in him to lead the intelligence establishment.
He pledged to execute his responsibilities with diligence, honour and commitment, promising visionary and professional leadership.
The ceremony was attended by the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, and Members of the Joint Staff.
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Munanura, then a Brigadier, was promoted to the rank of acting Major General and appointed the CDIS, replacing Maj. Gen. Otto.
Presiding General Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja Commander Land Force (M) sharing a group photo with UPDF Generals and Senior Officers during the handover ceremony at MODVA HQ. (Credit: UPDF)
Acting Director Defence Public Information Col. Chris Magezi, in a statement, said, “the CDF and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi, has promoted Brig Munanura to the rank of Acting Major General and appointed him the new CDIS.”
At the time of his appointment, Munanura was serving as Deputy CDIS. Otto was seconded to the Joint Staff Human Resource Management for redeployment.
“The UPDF fraternity congratulates acting Maj Gen. Munanura for the promotion and appointment, and commends Maj Gen. Otto for the great work he has done during his tenure. We wish the General Officers good luck in their new duties,” Magezi said.
About DIS
Formerly called the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), the DIS is the main arm of UPDF responsible for gathering, analysing, and disseminating military and security intelligence.
It handles intelligence gathering for the national army and works with other security groups—such as the Uganda Police Force—to counter threats like terrorism, armed robbery, and kidnappings, among others.