Brigadier-General Charles Oluka, the Director General of Uganda’s Internal Security Organisation (ISO), has passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, intelligence, and unshakable commitment to Uganda’s security.
His sudden death at Seguku Hospital on Wednesday night has sent shockwaves across the security community and the nation at large.
Brig. Gen. Oluka operated in the shadows, a master of intelligence whose influence was deeply embedded in Uganda’s security framework. A career officer who joined the army in 1987 and was commissioned in 1991, Oluka’s rise to the top was not by chance but by merit, discipline, and strategic brilliance.
From his early days in the technical wing of ISO to his appointment as the agency’s Director General in 2020 by President Yoweri Museveni, Oluka was known for his precision and no-nonsense approach to intelligence operations. He was a man of action rather than words, preferring results over recognition. His leadership in ISO brought renewed vigor to the agency, ensuring that internal security threats were handled with both discretion and efficiency.
A man of deep knowledge, Oluka underwent elite military training, including courses at Galileo College in Israel, sharpening his expertise in counterintelligence, strategic defense, and national security. His career was defined by service beyond self, and even in his final moments, he remained committed to his country.
Though the official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest he had been battling a heart condition. His passing leaves a significant void in Uganda’s security leadership, and the question remains—who can fill the shoes of a man who dedicated his entire life to protecting his nation from unseen threats?
Brigadier-General Charles Oluka may no longer be with us, but his legacy as one of Uganda’s most formidable intelligence officers will endure. His story is one of sacrifice, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of national security. A guardian of Uganda’s peace has fallen, but his contributions will not be forgotten.
