The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has confirmed there is no official confirmation that Gen Kale Kayihura has been appointed Coordinator of Intelligence Services.
Social media on Monday afternoon was abuzz with news that the Gen Yoweri Museveni, who is the commander in chief of the armed forces, had appointed the former police chief to the position previously held by Gen David Sejusa.
But Defence and army spokesman Brig Richard Karemire said there is no formal communication to the latter.
Sources in State House also denied being aware of the appointment.
The appointment would mark a complete turnaround for General Kayihura who was sacked as police chief on March 4, 2018 after falling out of favour with President Yoweri Museveni amid reports he was building his own power base within the security forces.
He was later charged over his role in the illegal repatriation to Rwanda of refugees wanted there. Gen Kayihura also was charged with “failure to protect war materials.” He denied the charges before a military court.
President Museveni last year launched an impassioned defence of General Kayihura in the wake of US sanctions and lashed at the opposition for lacking focus by jubilating about the former police chief’s situation.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 22, 2019, the President scoffed at the US for putting travel sanctions on Gen Kayihura, arguing that the latter, just like other African leaders, do not lose anything if they do not travel to the US.
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