Colonel (Retired) Charles Okello Engola also called Macodowogo, is a Ugandan politician and former military officer in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). He is the current State Minister for Defence in the Ugandan Cabinet. He was appointed to that position on 6 June 2016, replacing General Jeje Odongo, who was appointed Cabinet Minister of Internal Affairs.
Contents
Background and Education
Born on 10 January 1958, in Northern Uganda in a place called Awangi, in Iceme sub county in Oyam District to Nathan Engola and Ketula Engola. His father was a well known and respected Chief in Lango. Charles Okello Engola attended Teso College for his secondary school. He holds a bachelor's degree in Development Studies from Kampala International University and a master's degree in Public Administration from the same university.
Career
While in the Army, Okello Engola was the commander of UPDF 501 Brigade, headquartered at Opit in Gulu District. The brigade played a role in fighting the Lord's Resistance Army. He was promoted to the rank of colonel and retired from the UPDF in 2007. He successfully contested for the LC5 Chairperson position in Oyam District in 2011, on the ruling National Resistance Movement, political party ticket which he won until 2016 when he left to conest for the Oyam North memebr of parliament.