By Johnson Kanyesige
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)Â has removed Maj Gen James Birungi from his position as commander of the Mountain Infantry Division, just two months after his appointment.
Maj Gen Birungi was transferred from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on April 16, 2025.
He had swapped roles with Maj Gen Richard Otto in a reshuffle that saw Otto take over CMI. However, in a fresh change of command, Maj Gen Birungi has been replaced by Brig Gen Paul Muwonge. The announcement was made by Col Chris Magezi, the outgoing Acting UPDF Spokesperson, who returned to his substantive role as military assistant to the CDF following Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye’s return from leave.
Maj Gen Birungi’s abrupt redeployment comes amid ongoing investigations into two senior CMI officers reportedly linked to subversive activities.
The suspects—a Colonel and a Major—are believed to have been close associates of Maj Gen Birungi during his tenure at the helm of CMI.
