Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have undergone a rebranding initiative within its intelligence sector. As part of its organizational restructuring, the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) has been renamed as Defense Intelligence and Security (DIS).
The DIS, formerly referred to as CMI, is responsible for conducting intelligence operations for the military. Its primary objectives include collaborating with the Uganda Police Force (UPF) to address various forms of violent crimes, including terrorism, armed robberies, abductions, kidnappings, and murders.
However, there have been allegations levied against the agency regarding its involvement in similar activities.
On February 17, 2024, President Yoweri Museveni, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief (CiC) of the Armed Forces, officially launched the UPDF Establishment 2021. This establishment outlined several changes, including the renaming of certain offices and titles within the army.
Colonel Deo Akiiki Asiimwe, formerly the Deputy Defense Spokesperson (DSP) and now recognized as the Defense Public Information Officer (DPIO), clarified that the decision to change Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI)’s name to Defense Intelligence and Security (DIS) aligns with the adoption and gazetting of new titles while phasing out the old ones.
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“Following the degazetting of the old titles and gazetting of the new offices as per the UPDF Establishment 2021, we wish to inform the public that new titles have officially been adopted and will be used to name the offices of the UPDF,” Colonel Akiiki said.
Colonel Akiiki elaborated on the updates brought about by the UPDF Establishment 2021. Among these changes, new titles were introduced, including the Chief of Joint Staff (CJS), formerly referred to as the Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS). Additionally, the Joint Staff Human Resource Management (JS-HRM), previously known as the Chief of Personnel and Administration (CPA), and the Joint Staff Logistics (JS-LOG), formerly recognized as the Chief of Logistics and Engineering (CLE), were also established.
“We have the title of Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS-TRADOC), previously known as Chief of Training and Recruitment (CTR), Defence Public Information Officer (DPIO), previously known as Defence Spokesperson (DSP) under the Department of Defence Public Information (DDPIO),” Colonel Akiiki said.
Colonel Akiiki acknowledged the potential for confusion among the public due to the introduction of new titles. He assured that additional explanations would be provided by the Defense Public Information Officer (DPIO) as necessary to address any inquiries or uncertainties.
