Kampala, (UG):- President Yoweri Museveni has appointed a new Inspector General of Police in AIGP (Rtd) Abbas Byakagaba and his deputy in AIGP James Ocaya as confirmed by Mr Faruk Kirunda, the Deputy Presidential Press Secretary on Friday evening.
“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,” said Kirunda in a post via his official X account on Friday.
The two changes at the helm of the Police Force are part of the latest reshuffles Gen Museveni has made in the force, recalling all the military officers, save for two; Maj Tom Magambo (Director CID) and Christopher Damulira (Director CMI), from police with immediate effect.
The long list of recalled senior UPDF officers includes Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, who was deputy IGP under Okoth Ochola’s reign, and former CMI Boss, Gen Abel Kandiho among others, all now back at UPDF headquarters in Bombo, awaiting re-deployment.
The new IGP, Abbas Byakagaba who had retired recently saw the President hand him the mantle to steer the Uganda Police, taking over from his predecessor, John Martins Okoth Ochola, whose term expired in March and did not secure an extension at the helm from the President.
Byakagaba’s deputy, AIGP James Ocaya, had prior to this new appointment, served as Director Welfare, a position which has since been taken over by SCP Hadijah Namutebi, formerly acting Chief Political Commissar. Her role is taken over by SCP Ubaldo Bamunoba.
In other changes as announced by Kirunda Faruk, the Deputy Press Secretary to the President, former Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, SCP Moses Kafeero has now been appointed as the new Human Resources Director, replacing AIGP Godfrey Golooba while AIGP Fadil Kaali has taken over as Director of Fire and Rescue Services, replacing AIGP Joseph Mugisa, whose contract ends in June this year.
Also, AIGP John Nuwagira has been transferred to the Field Force Unit’s Commandant, replacing Kaali Ali Fahdi. Nuwagira’s previous role as Director of Operations has now been taken over by SCP Frank Mwesigwa who has been acting director at Police’s Counter Terrorism Unit.
Below is a list of new changes in the Uganda police force
| Name of officer | New Office | Previous position | Predecessor |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIGP (Rtd) Byakagaba | Inspector General of Police (IGP) | Directorate Counter Terrorism | John Martins Okoth Ochola |
| James Ocaya | Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) | Director of Research and Planning | Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi |
| AIGP Kaali Ali Fahdi | Director Fire Prevention and Rescue Services | Commandant Field Force Unit | AIGP Joseph Mugisa |
| AIGP John Nuwagira | Commandant Field Force Unit | Police Director of Operations | AIGP Kaali Ali Fahdi |
| SCP Moses Kafeero | Director Human Resources | Head Senior Police Command | Brig Godfrey Golooba |
| SCP Hadijah Namutebi | Director Welfare & Production | Ag Director Chief Political Commissar | AIGP James Ocaya |
| SCP Ubaldo Bamunoba | Director Chief Political Commissar | Commandant Police Marine Unit | SCP Hadijah Namutebi |
| SCP Frank Mwesigwa | Director of Operations | Ag Director Counter Terrorism | AIGP John Nuwagira |
| SCP Wasswa David | Director Counter Terrorism | N/A | Frank Mwesigwa |
| SCP Kataratambi Charles | Director Human Rights and Legal Services | N/A |
Sources within the security circles told this website that the President, who is the appointing authority has already communicated to the Police Authority led by Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, who has also passed on the information to the police leadership.
The changes mark a significant shift in the police leadership and signal a new direction for the force. The recalled military officers, including Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Katsigazi and Abel Kandiho, will await deployment at the UPDF headquarters.
The President’s move is seen as an effort to strengthen the police force and improve its operations. The changes have been welcomed by many, who see it as a positive step towards enhancing the country’s security apparatus.
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