Internal Security Organisation

The Internal Security Organisation (ISO) is the Uganda government's counter intelligence agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to Uganda's policy makers.It also engages in covert activities at the request of the President of the Uganda.Founded in 1986, The organisation took over the duties first performed by Military Intelligence. Its headquarters are in Nakasero, Kampala.

History and function

ISO is established by an Act of Parliament, the Security Organisations Act 1987. Like all intelligence organisations,its main function is to ensure the stability and longevity of the state. It does this through monitoring priority government programmes that are critical to the well being of the state, as well as collecting intelligence on locally based groups engaging in/intending to engage in acts of subversion, sabotage or destabilising the country.

Director General

The first Director General was Major General (Rtd) Jim Katugugu Muhwezi during whose reign the organization blossomed. He led it until 1996. He is the longest serving spy chief at the organization to date. He also started the Institute of Intelligence and Security Studies and put together its world class syllabus. He recruited and trained Dr. Amos Mukumbi and Lt. Ronnie Barya; each of whom was later to serve as Director General.

Other ISO Directors include Philip Idro, Brigadier Henry Tumukunde (who also headed the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence), Brig. Elly Kayanja (who also in 2001 headed the famous Operation Wembley - which cracked down on and rid the country of violent crime especially sophisticated murders and robberies) and Dr. Amos Mukumbi. It is currently led by Lt. Ronnie Balya.

Composition

ISO is composed of professional intelligence officers recruited from all over Uganda and trained at its training institute, the Institute of Intelligence and Security Studies. Upon being passed out, the operatives are sworn to protect the Ugandans and their property and are deployed all over the country.

See also

• List of intelligence agencies by country
• Government of Uganda