Kampala-President Yoweri Museveni has made changes in security, dropping the long serving Director General of External Security Organisation (ESO) Robert Masolo.
Masolo has been seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he will be deployed in the Foreign Service. Replacing Masolo is an Ambassador based in United Kingdom whom Eagle Online couldn’t readily establish. Masolo replaced Maku-Igga as DG-ESO.
Security Minister Mary Karooro Okurut confirmed the changes but she remained tight lipped on who else is affected. However, Eagle Online has reliably learnt that more changes are to be effected at the sister spy agency, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
“I am waiting for the letter (official communication) from the President. But he has performed his duties well and we wish well,” Minister Karooro said on phone.
An elusive and cagey spy, Masolo who has worked at the ESO for 8 years as Director General, joined the intelligence services in 1987, just fresh from Makerere University and interestingly, despite serving in top intelligence positions for over 25 years, no media house has his photo.
While appointing Masolo ESO DG in 2007, Museveni also confirmed Dr. Amos Mukumbi as the Director General of the sister spy agency, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), deputized by the current Director General Brig Ronnie Balya. Mukumbi has since been appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Security.
What role does ESO play?
ESO is charged with gathering foreign intelligence and monitoring Uganda citizens abroad who pose a security threat to the country. The agency is also mandated to monitor all foreigners coming to Uganda and foreign investments and advise government accordingly.
