Summary:
- Brig. Gen. Oluka’s military career began in 1987 when he joined the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
KAMPALA: 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. His passing 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 underwent extensive military training, including Basic Military Training at Kaweweta, Officer Cadet, Junior Staff and Command Course, Company Commanders’ Course, and Strategic National Security training at Galileo College in Israel.
In October 2020, President Museveni appointed Oluka as the Director General of ISO, succeeding Colonel Kaka Bagyenda.
Before this role, he served as ISO’s Director of Technical Services until 2018. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda’s internal security.
A firm advocate for joint security training, Brig. Gen. Oluka emphasized its importance in fostering unity and operational efficiency.
He once stated, “Joint training is key for bonding, shared ideology, and philosophy, and the effective conduct of joint operations.”
Recognized for his dedication, Oluka was promoted from Colonel to Brigadier General in January 2024.
During his decoration ceremony, he expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF board, reaffirming his commitment to national security.
Brig. Gen. Oluka’s sudden passing is a significant loss to Uganda’s security sector. His leadership and contributions will be remembered and honored.
As the nation mourns, details regarding funeral arrangements and ISO’s leadership succession are awaited.
