In a significant shake-up within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has appointed Major General James Birungi as Uganda’s Military Attaché and Defence Advisor to Burundi.
This move comes just two months after Birungi was replaced appointed Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division after removing him from overseeing military intelligence (CMI).
According to Colonel Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to the CDF, “Major General Birungi now moves to Bujumbura, Burundi, as Uganda’s Military Attaché and Defence Advisor (DA) in the country.”
Brigadier Simon Ochan, who previously held this position, has completed his tour of duty and will report back to the Joint UPDF Services headquarters for reassignment.
Brigadier Paul Muwonge has been elevated to the position of Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, replacing Major General Birungi.
Muwonge will also assume command of Operation Shujaa, a joint operation with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military forces (FARDC) aimed at neutralizing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group in eastern DRC.
“Brigadier Muwonge who recently accompanied the CDF on an official working trip to Kinshasa, DRC, now also assumes command of the ongoing Operation Shujaa,” Colonel Magezi stated.
Major General Birungi was previously the UPDF Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) before taking command of the Mountain Infantry Division in April 2025, swapping positions with Major General Richard Otto.
The UPDF fraternity has congratulated the General officers on their new appointments and wished them success in their new roles.
“The UPDF fraternity congratulates the General officers upon their new appointments and wishes them good luck in their new duties,” Colonel Magezi added.
