April 15, 2025 | Kampala, Uganda
In a dramatic twist at the helm of Uganda’s secretive intelligence apparatus, the Internal Security Organization (ISO) has ushered in a new era with the appointment of Arthur Mugyenyi as its Director General. The high-stakes transition, staged with military precision at the ISO headquarters in Kampala, follows the unexpected demise of former spy boss Brig. Charles Oluka earlier this year.
Oluka, a battle-hardened intelligence veteran, passed away in January 2025 after four turbulent years at the top—years that saw sweeping crackdowns on clandestine torture chambers and a no-nonsense stance against human rights abuses. His tenure cemented his reputation as a reformist and left an indelible mark on Uganda’s internal security landscape.
Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, speaking with commanding presence at the high-profile ceremony, hailed the late Brig. Oluka’s courage and legacy, while throwing his weight behind Mugyenyi’s appointment. He didn’t mince words—highlighting the stormy terrain ahead and urging the new leadership to remain unshakable in unity, discipline, and operational excellence.
Adding weight to the proceedings, Hajj Yunus Kakande, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, delivered a rousing speech. He applauded the seamless handover and issued a rallying call for ISO to remain a pillar of integrity amid the shifting sands of national and regional threats.
Stepping down with pride, Col. Emmy Katabazi—who held the fort during the interim—spoke of continuity and resilience. He painted a picture of an agency ready to evolve but firmly rooted in the ethos of service and sacrifice forged under Oluka’s stewardship.
In his first public address as Uganda’s new top spy, Arthur Mugyenyi struck a confident and patriotic tone. Grateful to President Museveni for the vote of confidence, Mugyenyi pledged to safeguard the nation with “ironclad resolve,” vowing to strengthen the organization’s surveillance muscle and uphold the rule of law.
This power shift at the very top of ISO signals more than a routine handover—it’s a bold declaration that Uganda’s fight against subversion, espionage, and internal unrest is far from over. With Mugyenyi now at the controls, eyes across the region will be watching closely as ISO navigates a new chapter in its shadowy war to defend the state from within.
