President Yoweri Museveni yesterday made significant changes at the Internal Security Organization (ISO), appointing Tony Kinyera Apecu as the new Deputy Director. Kinyera takes over from Col Emma Katabazi, who previously held the position. His appointment comes alongside that of Major (rtd) Arthur Mugyenyi, who replaces the late Brigadier Charles Oluka as ISO Director.

Who is Tony Kinyera?

Born on January 25, 1977, in Nebbi District, Tony Kinyera has built a strong career in intelligence and security. He attended St. Peter’s College Tororo, completing his secondary education between 1992 and 1998. He later joined Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies in 2001.

Seeking further education, Kinyera pursued a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management at the University of York (UK) in 2012. His academic journey continued at Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR), where he earned a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Social Studies in 2023. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in Social Studies, with a specialization in Political Studies and Political Economy at MISR.

In addition to his academic credentials, Kinyera holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Security and Diplomacy from Galilea Institute of International Development in Israel.

Kinyera has spent over two decades in intelligence, steadily rising through the ranks at ISO. He began as an Operative Officer in the Directorate of Collection (2003-2005) before serving as Deputy District Internal Security Officer (DISO) in Oyam District (2005-2007).

His career at ISO Headquarters has seen him hold multiple key positions, including:

Analyst in the Central Analysis Unit (2007-2011)

Section Head, Regional Analysis, Directorate of Analysis (2011-2016)

Head of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) (2016-2021)

Deputy Director, Political Affairs (2020-2023)

Director, Analysis and Information Production (2022-2025)

Over the years, Kinyera has participated in specialized security and intelligence training in countries such as Russia, Israel, Germany, Canada, the USA, and South Africa.

As he prepares to take on his new role as Deputy Director of ISO, Kinyera and his superior, Major (rtd) Arthur Mugyenyi, must undergo parliamentary vetting before officially assuming office. His extensive experience and academic background make him a key figure in Uganda’s national security landscape.