Ronnie Balya

Ronnie Balya is an officer at the rank of Brigadier in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). He is the director general of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).

Background and education
Balya was born 1961 in Kabarole District in Toro sub-region, Western Region of Uganda. He studied at Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree. He continued with his studies at University of Nairobi, Kenya where he earned a master's degree in Diplomacy and International Studies. Brig. Balya was selected by the Commander in Chief to attend a strategic command and leadership course at the National Defence College in Nairobi, Kenya where he excelled. He has done various intelligence courses in Russia, America and Britain.

Military career
He joined the National Resistance Army in 1985. He served initially as a district internal security officer in Northern Uganda and Western Uganda. In 1997, Brig. Balya was moved to headquarters where he served in various capacities like director of the ISO inspectorate, director analysis and director technical intelligence In August 2006, Balya was appointed deputy director general of ISO.

On July 27, 2010, Balya was appointed director general of ISO, replacing Amos Mukumbi who was given another engagement in government. In December 2010, he was promoted to the rank of colonel. In February 2014, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier.

Other responsibilities
In addition to his duties at ISO, he serves as the chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee [brings together all the Intelligence Agencies] and as the secretary to the National Security Council[Chaired by the President and composed of Ministers and Security Chiefs that handle National Defence and Security matters]. In July 2016, he told the Ugandan cabinet during a retreat in Kyankwanzi District that "corruption is killing government".