The Commander in Chief (CiC) of UPDF His Excellency the President of Uganda has appointed Major General Richard Otto as the new Commander of the Mountain Division, marking a significant shift in military leadership.
The appointments have been confirmed by UPDF deputy spokesperson Col Deo Akiiki on Monday morning.
Maj. Gen. Otto, previously representing Uganda in South Sudan, will now take on the pivotal role of Commander Operation Shuuja.
Concurrently, Maj. Gen. Dick Olum, who has been at the helm of the Mountain Brigade since October 2022, is slated to lead efforts in the South Sudan Stabilization Mechanism.
The appointment of Maj. Gen. Richard Otto underscores a strategic move by the Ugandan government to bolster its military operations, particularly in key regions such as the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Operation Shujaa, an initiative aimed at rooting out terrorist groups in the region, will now see Maj. Gen. Otto at its helm succeeding Gen. Olum.
Gen. Dick Olum’s transition to the South Sudan Stabilization Mechanism marks a new chapter in his distinguished military career.
His previous command of the Mountain Brigade and oversight of Operation Shujaa have been instrumental in advancing Uganda’s military objectives.
Born in Zombo District, West Nile sub-region, Northern Region of Uganda in 1970, Gen. Dick Olum brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Olum previously served as Uganda’s military attaché in the D.R.C., commanding officer of the third army division of the UPDF based in Moroto, and service as commander of the UPDF contingent in Somalia under the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) highlight his expertise and leadership capabilities.
Furthermore, Gen. Olum’s pivotal role as the commandant of the Uganda Junior Staff College and later as chief instructor at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba underscore his commitment to shaping the next generation of military leaders.
The appointment of Maj. Gen. Richard Otto and the transition of Maj. Gen. Dick Olum signify a strategic realignment within Uganda’s military hierarchy.
As they embark on their new assignments, the nation extends its congratulations and best wishes for their continued success in service to the country.
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