President Yoweri Museveni has commended the former Director General of the Internal Security Organisation, Brig. Charles Oluka, for his outstanding contribution to the peace, stability, and prosperity of Uganda and Africa.
“The country has lost a true patriot. He has done a commendable job as Director General of the Internal Security Organisation.He has died at the prime of his life,” the president said in a speech delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during the final send-off of Brig. Gen. Olukain Kalaki district.
“His leadership has shown that he embodied the values of the NRA/UPDF as a pro-people army,” Museveni said. He assured mourners that the UPDF is a guarantor of the legitimate interests of all Ugandans, emphasising that the UPDF is proud of the great legacy of Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka.
He asked the people to not only mourn the demise of Brig. Oluka but also celebrate his contribution to the peace, stability, and prosperity of Uganda and Africa. On behalf of the government, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and his own behalf, the president conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, Oluka’s colleagues, and all Ugandans. “It is sad that the late Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka died in the prime of his life. He still had a lot to offer to the UPDF and Uganda at large,” Museveni said.
Museveni told mourners that his thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved family during this moment of loss and grief. He prayed to the Almighty God to grant the family of Gen. Oluka the courage and fortitude to endure their loss.
The president assured the bereaved family that the UPDF is a big family, and therefore, they can bank on it for support, now and in the future. In her own eulogy, VP Alupo described the late general as a corruption-free gentleman and dedicated army officer. “He has been a very good person, hard-working, intelligent, and most importantly, very loyal to the appointing authority,” Alupo eulogised.
Alupo, a family friend of the late, said Oluka was passionate about his work, adding that by the time of his death, he was streamlining the 2026 election commission gadgets. She urged the family to remain united and carry on his legacy.
The Minister for Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, thanked the people of the Teso subregion for giving Uganda Gen. Oluka, who dedicated his life to the service of Ugandans. “Oluka served with distinction and dedication.He loved his family, and the country shall miss his professionalism in the way he performed his duties,” Gen. Muhwezi said. He thanked Gen. Museveni for granting his comrade a decent burial. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, said everything that happens in this world is upon God’s choice.
He said the departed general has been instrumental in the restoration and upholding of peace and security in the country. “The UPDF is therefore saddened by the loss of such a senior professional cadre whose input and skills were still much needed,” Gen. Okiding said. He said the country has lost a great patriot who loved and sacrificed his best years in service of our country and the people.
On behalf of the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Gen. conveyed condolences to Oluka’s family, friends, and the security forces where his constructive input will be missed.
Papa Sande Emolot, the Teso cultural leader, thanked the president for the love and trust he had in their son, Gen. Oluka. The king thanked President Museveni for granting Brig. Gen. Oluka an official burial.
The Kumam cultural leader, Raphael Otaya, thanked the UPDF for giving Gen. Oluka a conducive atmosphere to serve his country diligently in the capacity of Director General of the Internal Security Organisation. He asked Ugandans to support the NRM government come the 2026 general elections.
Mrs. Harriette Oluka, from the bottom of her heart, thanked the president for granting her husband an official. She thanked her late husband for loving her unconditionally and forgiving her a life filled with meaning and joy. “Though death has robbed you from my sight, it cannot touch the bond we share. I am grateful for every moment we shared, the laughter that echoed through our home, and the nights when words were not needed because our hearts spoke for us,” Mrs. Oluka said.
She thanked VP Alupo for proposing that her husband be buried today, Sunday, February 8th, to allow thousands of mourners to pay their tribute to Gen. Oluka. She thanked ISO and the UPDF in fraternity for giving her husband a conducive atmosphere to work and for turning up in big numbers to send him off.
She prayed for unity and togetherness among her children.While representing her siblings, Vivien Akullo said their father loved his children and really cared for them. She told thousands of mourners that their father’s death has taught them to be humble, kind, and generous, adding that Gen. Oluka was a people person.
Akullo thanked His Excellency President Museveni for taking the decision to appoint their father as director of ISO.
She also thanked VP for reaching out to them when the news of their father’s demise broke out. Mass was presided over by the main celebrant, Rt. Rev. Raphael Wokorach, the archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, assisted by the Bishop of Kotido diocese, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu.
