Museveni Sacks Four ISO Directors Amid Turbulent Terror-Fighting Turf War

In a dramatic shake-up within Uganda’s intelligence architecture, President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed four senior directors from the Internal Security Organisation (ISO). The decision is part of a continuing power struggle among key security agencies over counter‑terrorism responsibilities.

The dismissals, reminiscent of a similar purge in June 1999, have reignited tensions between the ISO’s Special Branch, the police’s Counter‑Terrorism Unit, and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

Back in 1999, Museveni removed Lt Henry Baguma (Finance & Administration), Capt Herbert Kwiringira (Defence), Dr Asiimwe Rwekikiga (Economic Affairs), and Mr Stephen Ssenoga Ndahura (Technical Services)—all UPDF officers seconded to ISO—after accusing them of lethargy and territorial competition with other security units.

The latest touchpoint in the ongoing inter-agency rivalry is the direction of Uganda’s counter-terrorism policy. Each security outfit is accused of jockeying for dominance over strategy, funding, and field operations.

Observers believe Museveni’s decisive intervention signals a reassertion of presidential control over national security priorities. The move is intended to end institutional fragmentation, streamline command, and reinforce a unified front in confronting terrorist threats.

Critics, however, caution that such abrupt personnel changes may disrupt ongoing investigations, compromise intelligence sharing, and demoralise agencies—potentially creating temporary security gaps.

Civil society has urged the president to accompany dismissals with transparent criteria, oversight mechanisms, and strengthened oversight to ensure accountability and professional conduct.

As Uganda contends with emboldened threats, including from the ADF and alleged internal terror plots, the efficacy of Museveni’s intelligence restructuring will be tested in the coming months.

For now, all eyes remain on who will replace the ousted directors and how the reconfigured security teams will respond to the evolving terror landscape