Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka laid to rest

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The former director general of the Internal Security Organization (ISO) of Uganda, Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka has been laid to rest at his ancestral home.

He was laid to rest on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at his ancestral home in Ousia Village, Apapai Sub-County, Kalaki District, with an eleven-gun salute honouring his service.

Rev Sisters praying for the body of late Brig Gen Charles Oluka, ISO director general before he was taken to his final resting place. (Photo by Michael Onyinge)

Several government officials from the police, prisons, army, political, and cultural circles joined the local community to pay their last respects to the former director general of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).

The Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, represented President Yoweri Museveni.

Oluka passed away on January 29, 2025, at Seguku Hospital due to natural causes.

Alupo said the UPDF was proud and grateful for the legacy of Brig. Gen Charles Oluka.

"We do not only mourn his demise but also celebrate his contribution to the peace, stability, and prosperity of Uganda and Africa," she said.

While delivering the President’s message, she noted that the UPDF, as a pro-people army, remains a guarantor of the legitimate interests of all Ugandans.

Sending off of Brig Gen Charles Oluka, the former ISO director general in Ousia village in Apapai sub-county in Kalaki district. (Photo by Michael Onyinge)

“The country has lost a true patriot,” she said. The President’s message also acknowledged Oluka’s contributions as Director General of ISO, highlighting his leadership as marked by discipline, efficiency, and good cooperation with the public.

The Minister of Security, Jim Muhwezi, said Oluka had set up the Research Bureau.

He added that Oluka had passed away at a time when he was still greatly needed.

The Minister for Teso Affairs, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kalaki, Clement Kenneth Ongalo, said Oluka was highly cooperative with the people.

Kumam cultural leader Raphael Otaya urged the bereaved family to remain united and to continue embracing love.

Otaya praised the UPDF for providing the peace that Ugandans have enjoyed for the last 39 years.

He urged Ugandans to continue supporting the prevailing peace in the country.

“We have seen several governments in this country, some lasting for even sixty days. For some of us who have seen it all, come 2026, we know what we should do,” Otaya said.

The former director general of the Internal Security Organization (ISO) of Uganda, Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka, has been laid to rest at his ancestral home. (Photo by Michael Onyinge)

He also emphasised the need for the government to sensitise the people of Teso about oil.

Emmy Katabazi, who served as Oluka’s deputy at ISO, described him as highly skilled both in the field and administration. He credited Oluka with revolutionising technical intelligence and leading the organisation from a deep crisis to increased visibility.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, who represented the CDF, described Oluka as a professional cadre whose contributions were still needed but whose life was cut short by death.