Museveni Appoints Arthur Mugyenyi as the New Chief of ISO

President Kaguta Museveni has appointed Arthur Mugyenyi as the new Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO) filling a crucial leadership gap left by the tragic passing of Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka on January 29, 2025.

Alongside this, Tony Kinyera Apecu has been named Deputy Director General replacing Col. Emma Katabazi who has been reassigned as Deputy Ambassador.

This high-profile decision announced earlier today comes amid growing concerns over national security, intelligence efficiency and Uganda’s strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.

The announcement was made through an official State House Press Release on April 1, 2025, confirming the appointment of Arthur Mugyenyi as the new ISO Director General.

The position had been vacant since the death of Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka, who led the intelligence agency until his passing in January.

The move also saw Tony Kinyera Apecu step into the role of Deputy Director General, succeeding Col. Emma Katabazi, now transitioning into a diplomatic role as Deputy Ambassador.

This appointment signals a renewed focus on internal security at a time when Uganda faces mounting security challenges, including cyber threats, political unrest and regional instability.

The announcement made from State House Kampala, the center of Uganda’s executive power, and disseminated through the Presidential Press Unit (PPU).

The changes affect ISO headquarters in Nakaseero, which is responsible for national intelligence gathering and security oversight.

ISO plays an essential role in Uganda’s internal security, counterintelligence and strategic intelligence gathering. The leadership vacuum left by Brig. Gen. Oluka’s passing had raised concerns over potential gaps in intelligence operations.

With ongoing regional security threats, rising opposition activities and geopolitical shifts in East Africa having a firm grip on intelligence is crucial for the government’s stability.

Furthermore, the appointment of Mugyenyi and Kinyera Apecu suggests a strategic readjustment within the security sector.

The reassignment of Col. Emma Katabazi to a diplomatic position hint at possible security diplomatic linkages where intelligence officers are being positioned for external engagement.

ISO leadership change was triggered by Brig. Gen. Oluka’s passing, which created an urgent need for a new intelligence chief.

The appointment of Arthur Mugyenyi reflects the government’s decision to ensure continuity and stability in Uganda’s intelligence community.

His background, expertise and vision for ISO will determine how effectively Uganda’s intelligence operations adapt to modern threats

Museveni’s decision to appoint new intelligence chiefs suggests a shift in strategy, possibly aimed at enhancing surveillance, pre-empting security threats, or consolidating control over national intelligence.

While the specifics of the selection process remain undisclosed, Museveni’s intelligence appointments are typically based on trust, loyalty and strategic alignment with his long-term vision for Uganda’s security.

The new leadership will now be tasked with revitalizing ISO’s effectiveness in gathering intelligence and preventing threats before they materialize.

The leadership of ISO has always been a politically sensitive position. Some past ISO heads have faced controversy, while others have been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s internal security policies.

With Mugyenyi and Kinyera now at the helm, the public and political observers will be watching closely to see how they navigate Uganda’s increasingly complex security landscape.