Summary:
- President Museveni has appointed Abbas Byakagaba as Uganda’s new Inspector General of Police, replacing Martins Okoth Ochola. Byakagaba brings extensive experience to the role, having served in various capacities within the police force.
KAMPALA, (Examiner) – President Yoweri Museveni has named Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Uganda Police, effective immediately. Byakagaba, who recently retired from active police service, succeeds Martins Okoth Ochola, whose term ended in March without renewal.
In a series of announcements made Friday evening, President Museveni also appointed AIGP James Ochaya to serve as Byakagaba’s deputy, replacing Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi, with immediate effect. Byakagaba brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the Counter Terrorism commander and Human Resource Director. He also held the position of Ankore-Kigezi Zonal Commander within the police hierarchy.
According to security sources, President Museveni has relayed his decision to the Police Authority, overseen by Minister of Internal Affairs Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, who subsequently informed police leadership. Deputy presidential press secretary Faruk Kirunda confirmed the announcement, stating, “I confirm that H.E. the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF has today appointed Mr Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police replacing IGP Martin Okoth Ochola. Other changes have been effected in the Uganda Police Force.”, Examiner understands
On May 7, 2024, AIGP (Rtd) Byakagaba concluded his tenure as the head of the Directorate of Counter Terrorism. Byakagaba, who underwent training with the Federal Bureau of Investigations of the USA, assumes his new role amidst several other shifts within the police force, including the reassignment of two soldiers back to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
AIGP Kaali Ali Fahdi transitions to the Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, replacing AIGP Josepn Mugisa, while AIGP John Nuwagira assumes command of the Field Force Unit. SCP Hadijah Namutebi moves from Chief Political Commissariat to the Directorate of Welfare, with SCP Ubaldo Bamunoba taking her former position. SCP Frank Mwesigwa steps into the role of Director of Operations, transitioning from his previous role as acting director of Counter Terrorism.
Security experts view Byakagaba’s appointment as a strategic move to strengthen Uganda’s security apparatus. The sudden change in leadership, along with the appointment of a new deputy, comes as a surprise to many within the country and the police hierarchy, especially those who anticipated Katsigazi’s succession.
Background & Experience
Abas Byakagaba previously served in various capacities within the Uganda Police Force for years, accumulating valuable experience along the way. In a reshuffle announced by then Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura in 2017, Byakagaba was reassigned to lead the Oil and Gas Police.
Byakagaba was then appointed to head the Directorate of the Police’s Human Resource Department, a position previously held by the late AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi. Byakagaba’s history with the Oil and Gas Directorate dated back to his prior tenure from 2011 to 2014. He returned to this role, replacing Ahmed Waduwa Wafuba.
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