KAMPALA, UGANDA: Maj. Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi and Maj. Gen Abel Kandiho have today officially assumed their new offices as the new Deputy Inspector General of Police and new Police Chief of Joint Staff respectively.
Gen. Kandiho and Katsigazi were on Monday morning February 21 handed to the instruments of power by the Inspector General of Police John Martins Okoth Ochola at a function held at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.
The pair was recently appointed by President Museveni the Chief in Command of the armed forces in a mini reshuffle of the army and police force.
Gen. Katsigazi replaced the late Gen. Paul Lokech who passed on last year, while Gen. Kandiho, formerly head of CMI replaced from Gen. Jack Bakasumba who was sent to South Sudan as Ugandan delegate on Sudan Peace Monitoring Mechanism in Juba city.
Speaking at the function, Ochola applauded President Museveni for the additional appointments that he said have promoted the continued synergies between the police and the UPDF. He called upon the military officers to share their diverse experiences in the implementation of the vision of the police force.
“I urge the new officers to share their diverse experiences in the implementation of the vision of the force. We jointly have a task of deepening the Uganda Police Force partnership with other stakeholders including the community,” Ochola said.
IGP Ochola further briefed them about the achievements, opportunities, reforms and challenges facing the institution.
According to him, Most of the challenges faced by Uganda police are logistical and welfare challenges of housing, feeding, education, pressing public safety threats like terrorism, gang and community violence, limited funding and Police misconduct among others.
As a result, The law enforcement body in the past has developed a joint monumental task of deepening on partnership with other stakeholders including the community, filling funding gaps, increased use of technology, best practices, profiling of criminals and the enforcement of force discipline, to mention buy a few.
The incoming DIGP Gen. Katsigazi thanked President Museveni for the appointment and for allowing him pursue his passion and honor of serving citizens, through the Police. He also thanked the IGP Ochola and members of the Police Advisory Committee, for welcoming him and pledged to continue carrying forward the work of the office of DIGP, with the much respect, compassion and transparency that comes with it.
On his part, Gen. Kandiho said that policing was not new to him having served before as the Commandant Olilim Police Training School. He therefore, had no doubts, adding that as a team they will foster and deepen the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.
The IGP and all PAC members expressed deep appreciation and profound thanks to the outgoing CJS, AIGP Jackson Bakasumba, for the outstanding legacy left behind through his extraordinary and distinguished delivery of service to the UPF and the public at large.
In his remarks, the outgoing CJS thanked the President for his appointment and the opportunity to work with the police. He also thanked the IGP and all PAC members for the level of cooperation and support they accorded him. It was such a honour. He also welcomed the new team and wished them well in their tour of duty. He received an Award of Excellence from the IGP.
The ceremony was concluded with a vote of thanks from the Chief Political Commissar, who described the outgoing CJS as a good mobilizer, coordinator, mentor, advisor, team leader and team player.
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