Brigadier General Charles Oluka, a decorated military officer, intelligence specialist, and aviation engineer, passed away on January 29, 2025.
Born on April 16, 1956, in Ousia Village, Apapai Sub-County, Kalaki District, Brig. Gen. Oluka was a distinguished Ugandan security professional who dedicated his life to serving his country with honor and commitment.
Born to Mzee Emuku Martin and Toto Akullo Margaret Rose, Brig. Gen. Oluka hailed from the Ipukatok clan.
He was part of a large family, with nine brothers (seven alive, two deceased) and ten sisters (nine alive, one deceased).
He was a devout Catholic, having received Baptism at St. Peter’s Church, Nsambya, Confirmation at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Madera, Soroti City, and Holy Matrimony on April 16, 2023, at the same church.
He was married to Harriet Akisa Oluka and was a dedicated father to fourteen children:
Lt Akullo Vivien, Asako Monica, Amulen Doreen, Anaso Nouella, Abulo Mercy Scovia, Oluka Jeremiah, Oluka Emerald Ephraim, Oluka Esmeralda Aciko Farida, Oluka Akullo Ellaine, Oluka Lucky Aicha Elizabeth, Oluka Agatha Claire Apio, Oluka Aaron Francis Ocen, and Oluka Abraham Okello.
Brig. Gen. Oluka was committed to academic excellence and professional development.
His educational journey included:
- 1963-1969 – Kamidakan Primary School, Kalaki District (PLE).
- 1970-1973 – St. Aloysius College, Nyapea (East African Certificate of Education).
- 1974-1975 – Nabumali High School, Mbale (East African Advanced Certificate of Education).
- 1975-1977 – East African Civil Aviation Academy, Soroti (Civil Aviation Pilot Training & Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in Airframes & Powerplants).
- 2010-2012 – Sikkim Manipal University, Uganda Campus, Kampala (Bachelor of Science in Information Technology).
His additional training spanned computing, public policy, investigative journalism, and security, including:
- 2007-2008 – CISCO certification courses in networking, routing, switching, and computer network design at Makerere University, Kampala.
- 2001 – Public Policy & Planning (Uganda Management Institute, Kampala).
- 2005 – Investigative Journalism Course (Uganda Management Institute, Kampala).
His military training included:
- 1987 – Basic Military Course (Kaweweta Military Academy).
- 1989-1991 – Military Cadet Officers’ Course (National Leadership Academy, Tanzania).
- 1994 – Junior Military Staff Officers’ Course (Junior Staff College, UPDF, Jinja).
- 1998 – Company Commanders’ Course (National Leadership Academy, Tanzania).
- 2008 – Strategic National Security Course (Galilee College, Israel).
Career and Contributions
Brig. Gen. Oluka’s career began in aviation before he transitioned into military and intelligence service.
- Aviation and Engineering (1978-1986)
- 1978-1980 – Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Uganda Airlines Corporation, Entebbe.
- 1981-1982 – Aircraft Engineering Instructor, East African Civil Aviation Academy, Soroti.
- 1983-1984 – Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Samtanus Flight Division, Arusha, Tanzania.
- 1985-1986 – Aircraft Engineering Instructor, East African Civil Aviation Academy, Soroti.
- Military and Intelligence Service (1987-2025)
Brig. Gen. Oluka joined Uganda’s Internal Security Organization (ISO) in 1987, where he played a key role in national intelligence and counter-insurgency operations.
His career in intelligence included:
- 1987-1991 – Technical Surveillance Officer, ISO Headquarters.
- 1992-1994 – Section Head, Technical Surveillance, ISO Headquarters.
- 1994-2001 – Deputy Director, Technical Services Department, ISO Headquarters.
- 2001-2002 – ISO Chief Liaison Officer, Uganda Airports’ Security.
- 2002-2005 – ISO Liaison Officer, Anti-LRA Counter-Insurgency (Operation Iron Fist, Gulu).
- 2005-2010 – Director Special Operations, ISO Headquarters.
- 2011-2013 – Director Technical Support Services, ISO Headquarters.
- 2013-2015 – Director Security Affairs, ISO Headquarters.
- 2015-2018 – Director Technical Support Services, ISO Headquarters.
- 2019-2020 – Director Special Duties, Office of the Director General, ISO Headquarters.
- 2020-2025 – Director General, Internal Security Organization (ISO), Office of the President – He led Uganda’s internal security agency, overseeing major intelligence operations and national security strategies.
- 2018-2025 – Executive Director, Harchar International Labour Agency Limited – Focused on labor management and employment initiatives.
Brig. Gen. Oluka was a highly respected leader, remembered for his deep commitment to national security, intelligence excellence, and mentorship of young officers.
His leadership in counter-insurgency efforts, intelligence operations, and security policy development significantly contributed to Uganda’s stability.
A devoted Catholic, a loving family man, and a dedicated patriot, Brig. Gen. Oluka’s life was a testament to discipline, service, and unwavering dedication.
His passing marks the end of a distinguished career but leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations.
He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and a grateful nation. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
About Author
