By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti, Uganda – A somber mood engulfed Soroti City as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Brigadier-General Charles Oluka, a man remembered for his unwavering service to Uganda and his deep-rooted faith. The requiem mass, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Madera Parish, was filled with emotion, as family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries reflected on the legacy of a leader gone too soon.  

The sound of solemn hymns filled the church as mourners, dressed in black, struggled to hold back tears. The weight of loss was evident, especially among those who had worked closely with Brig. Gen. Oluka. Many spoke of his humility, dedication, and patriotism, qualities that made him not just a leader but also a mentor and friend.  

Rev. Fr. Robert Ecogu, the Vicar General of Soroti Catholic Diocese, led the mass, his voice breaking at times as he described the late Brigadier-General as a man of honor. "Brig. Gen. Oluka was a rare kind of leader—one who understood the weight of his responsibility but never lost his faith. He was a man who prayed, who sought guidance from God in all he did. Today, we do not just mourn a soldier; we mourn a man of God."  

His widow, Harriet Akisa Oluka, sat quietly, her eyes red with grief. She was surrounded by family members, many of whom clung to each other for comfort. The pain of loss was raw, and as the eulogies continued, it became clear just how much Brig. Gen. Oluka had meant to those around him.  

Brig. Gen. Oluka, who passed away on January 29, 2025, was not just a military officer; he was a pillar of strength and resilience. His journey in the security sector was marked by discipline, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to protecting Uganda.  

Born in Ousia village, Apapai sub county, Kalaki District, he joined the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in 1987 and rose through the ranks, eventually being appointed Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) in 2020. Under his leadership, ISO played a crucial role in maintaining national security, and his recent promotion to Brigadier-General in 2024 was a testament to his hard work.  

Despite his professional achievements, those who knew him best remember him as a man of deep faith. He often held mass at his home, believing that success should never come at the cost of spirituality.

After the church service, his body was taken to Soroti Flying School for public viewing and a regional council sitting in his honor. The grief in the air was palpable as mourners lined up to catch a final glimpse of the man who had given so much to his country.  

His burial program continues as follows:  

Thursday, 6th February 2025:Requiem mass at Ousia village, his ancestral home.  

Friday, 7th February 2025: Requiem mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kamidakan, at 10:00 AM.  

Saturday, 8th February 2025: Final burial rites in Ousia, Apapai, Kalaki District, beginning with speeches at 10:00 AM.  

As the sun set over Soroti, the reality of his absence sank in. Uganda had lost a patriot, a leader, and a man of faith. But even in death, Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka’s legacy will live on—in the lives he touched, the people he protected, and the faith he carried with him until his final breath.