Maj Gen Otto, who has led the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa since May last year, was hailed for his exemplary leadership in conducting joint cross-border operations with the Congolese army that have dismantled ADF strongholds in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Maj Gen Richard Otto has handed over command of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa to Maj Gen James Birungi.
The handover ceremony took place on Thursday at the Mountain Division headquarters at Muhooti Barracks in Fort Portal City. It was presided over by the Land Forces Commander, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga.
Maj Gen Otto was last week appointed by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS) of the UPDF.
Maj Gen Otto, who has led the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa since May last year, was hailed for his exemplary leadership in conducting joint cross-border operations with the Congolese army that have dismantled ADF strongholds in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, hailed Maj.Gen Otto for his instrumental leadership that has seen the destruction of several ADF camps, neutralisation of top commanders, and rescue of hostages.
He added that the ADF, once a feared insurgent group responsible for attacks in both Uganda and the DRC, has now been reduced to a weakened and fragmented force.
The new Commander, Maj Gen James Birungi, promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and pledged to remain vigilant against emerging threats in the region.
