Brigadier General Charles Oluka, the Director General of the Internal Security Organisation-ISO is dead. Sources within the military have confirmed the death but the cause remains confidential. However, sources within the army say he had been battling heart complications for some time.

Oluka, who became the boss of ISO in October 2020, replaced Col Frank Bagyenda, who had been put under intense pressure over allegations of fabricating intelligence reports. During his time, he tried to redeem the lost face of the intelligence agency.

His death is confirmed by top military officials such as the Deputy Defence Spokesperson Col Deo Akiiki. According to Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda, Oluka died at the Doctor’s Hospital Sseguku along Entebbe Road when he was rushed for medical attention on Wednesday evening.

Sources close to the family say the late Brig Gen Oluka had gone for a medical check-up abroad last year. The wife and personal doctor, who accompanied him, proves his health condition was worsening some time back. He never showed his health condition but continued serving in his post.

He unfortunately breathed his last on Wednesday night, after putting in a whole day’s work. Oluka retired to his home for evening prayers but reportedly collapsed and had to be transferred into the hospital as an emergency before he was declared dead.

His death is a great loss for Uganda’s security and intelligence community because he was serving at the top of one of the most critical security agencies. His leadership of ISO was seen as a solution to bring some stability and order to the operation of intelligence activities. He strongly aimed at building up intelligence collection and analysis capability to enhance the security of a nation.

Tributes stream in from military officers, government officials, and members of the intelligence community as news of his death spreads. Many describe him as a dedicated officer who served his country with diligence and integrity. His colleagues in the security sector acknowledge his contribution to strengthening Uganda’s internal security framework.

Though the actual cause of his death has not been formally declared yet, one thing that can be gathered is that the late Brigadier General had lived through a health problem for a period. And the sudden nature of his passing showed how overwhelming the work is in such postings and could equally take its toll on one’s health.

His contribution to Internal Security Organisation will be remembered for generations; his work in ensuring national security will always be living on. The government and security departments will soon issue a statement and announce the date for the funeral. For now, the nation mourns the loss of the senior officer at the center of safeguarding national intelligence and security.