Brigadier General Charles Oluka, the Director General of Uganda’s Internal Security Organisation (ISO), has passed away suddenly. He was rushed to Seguku Hospital on the evening of January 29, 2025, where he was pronounced dead. The news of his demise was confirmed by Farouk Kirunda, the Press Secretary to President Yoweri Museveni.
Brig. Gen. Oluka’s military career began in 1987 when he joined the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). He was commissioned as an officer in 1991 and undertook various military training courses, including Basic Military Training at Kaweweta, Officer Cadet, Junior Staff and Command Course, Company Commanders’ Course, and Strategic National Security at the Galileo College in Israel.
In October 2020, President Museveni appointed Oluka as the Director General of ISO, succeeding Colonel Kaka Bagyenda. Prior to this appointment, Oluka served as the Director of Technical Services at ISO until 2018.
Throughout his tenure, Brig. Gen. Oluka was instrumental in advancing ISO’s mission to safeguard Uganda’s internal security. He emphasized the importance of joint training for fostering unity and effective operations within the security forces. In a statement, he highlighted that “joint training is key for bonding, shared ideology, and philosophy and the effective conduct of joint operations.”
In recognition of his dedicated service, Oluka was promoted from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General in January 2024. During the decoration ceremony, he expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF board for his elevation in rank, reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling his mandate.
Brig. Gen. Oluka’s sudden passing is a significant loss to Uganda’s security apparatus. His leadership and contributions to the nation’s security will be remembered and honored. As the country mourns his death, details regarding funeral arrangements and succession plans for the ISO leadership are awaited.
