SPY BOSS SWAP! Muhoozi Names Munanura UPDF Intelligence Chief Amid Security Shake-Up
Brig Oscar Munanura , now promoted to the Acting Major General, the current Intelligence Chief
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed Brig Oscar Munanura as the new Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Munanura, who previously served as deputy CDIS, has also been promoted to the acting rank of major general, according to a statement issued by Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi.
He replaces Maj Gen Richard Otto, who has been reassigned to the Joint Staff Human Resource Management for redeployment. Otto was appointed intelligence chief on April 16, 2025, succeeding Maj Gen James Birungi.
Before he was appointed deputy CDIS, Munanura commanded the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, which oversees operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
His appointment comes amid mounting upheaval within the Defence Intelligence and Security directorate, following a series of arrests involving former senior intelligence officers over alleged security-related offences.
In September 2026, former intelligence chiefs Maj Gen Abel Kandiho and Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura were detained alongside a widening investigation into alleged intelligence misconduct. The two, who retired in August alongside 17 other generals, were arrested on September 9 over allegations including false intelligence reporting and treachery.
Their arrests followed the detention and prosecution of former CDIS Maj Gen James Birungi, who was charged before the General Court Martial with treachery and other security-related offences.
Military prosecutors allege that fabricated intelligence reports were used to obtain operational funds. They have also alleged that some security incidents involving purported suicide bombers in Kampala in 2025, including incidents near Munyonyo Catholic Shrine and at Kalerwe Market, were staged.
The changes within the intelligence directorate come against the backdrop of separate allegations by Gen Muhoozi against retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
On Tuesday, Muhoozi said security forces had arrested more than 20 former soldiers allegedly linked to Elwelu and called on the retired general to surrender.
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