Leaders urge reconciliation at burial of ex-ISO boss Oluka’s father

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Calls for peace and reconciliation dominated the burial of 96-year-old Martin Emuku, father of the late Charles Oluka, former director general of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).

Thousands of mourners gathered on February 14, 2026, at Ousia village in Apapai sub-county, Kalaki district, where the funeral mass was led by Soroti Catholic Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach and Kotido Bishop Dominic Eibu.

Soroti City woman MP Joan Alobo with MP-elect Dakabela Peter Edeku and David Calvin Echodu and minister Clement Ongalo during the funeral prayers. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

Emuku, who died on February 6, 2026, in Soroti after a long illness, is survived by 19 children, 81 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Family members said he had been battling prostate complications and asthma.

He previously worked with the East African Railways, serving in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kasese and Jinja before retiring in 1980. Community members credited him with promoting peace, unity and devotion to God throughout his life.

In his homily, Bishop Eibu, a native of the same village, described Emuku as a devout Catholic whose faith shaped generations, noting that two of his children joined religious life as nuns. He urged mourners to emulate his commitment to faith, family and service.

In his homily, Bishop Eibu, a native of the same village, described Emuku as a devout Catholic whose faith shaped generations. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“We are here to celebrate the faith and hope that Mzee Emuku had as a believer. The fruits of his life are visible in this family,” Bishop Eibu said.

Family dispute casts shadow

The burial comes amid a legal dispute following the death of Oluka, who had been regarded as a key pillar in the family. Two women, Harriet Akisa Oluka and Rose Amongin, are contesting the administration of his estate, each claiming to be the lawful widow.

Akisa says she was legally married to Oluka in church and remains his rightful widow, while Amongin accuses her of presenting a forged marriage certificate allegedly created after his death.

The matter is before the High Court in Entebbe and is yet to be fixed for hearing after the parties last appeared before acting assistant registrar Stella Maris Amabilis in December last year.

Some of the family members attending the funeral of 96-year-old Martin Emuku, father of the late Charles Oluka, former director general of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO). (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

Akisa did not attend the burial, while Amongin and other widows were present.

Leaders call for reconciliation

Speaking at the funeral, state minister for Teso affairs Clement Ongalo urged the family to prioritise harmony.

“Sometimes what is legal is not what is right. It is important to do what is right and preserve unity,” Ongalo said, adding that Oluka was known for his peaceful and humble character.

David Calvin Echodu, the national vice chairperson eastern for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), encouraged the family to remain steadfast in faith despite their challenges.

ISO director general Arthur Mugenyi also attended and praised Emuku for raising God-fearing children who have served both church and country.

State Minister for Teso Affairs Clement Ongalo laying wreath on the casket containing the remains of Mzee Emuku. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

Deputy Inspector General of Government Patricia Achan Okiria was among the leaders who attended the burial ceremony.

Family and community members described Emuku as a humble elder whose life was defined by faith, generosity and commitment to community values, a legacy leaders urged the family to uphold through unity.