Kampala, Uganda: Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sam Omala, who died on Monday morning at Mulago National Referral Hospital, leaves behind a legacy firmly etched in Uganda’s political and security history.
Known for his iron-fisted approach to crowd control, Omala, 65, rose to national prominence during the 2011 “Walk-to-Work” protests, a mass civil movement led by opposition stalwart and then FDC President, Rtd Col Dr. Kizza Besigye, and other activists under the Activists for Change (A4C) banner.
Omala’s leadership as Kampala Field Force Commander placed him at the frontline of government efforts to contain civil unrest during a turbulent period of skyrocketing inflation and growing public discontent.
Early Career and Rise in the Police Force
Sam Omala joined the Uganda Police Force during the early 1980s, rising steadily through the ranks thanks to his disciplined approach to law enforcement and his no-nonsense attitude toward maintaining public order. By the late 2000s, he had assumed senior positions within the Field Force Unit (FFU), a critical arm of the police tasked with handling riots and public protests.
His appointment as Kampala Field Force Commander at a time of heightened political activism was no accident. Omala was trusted by the police leadership for his operational discipline and unwavering loyalty to the enforcement of public order laws.
The 2011 Walk-to-Work Protests
The 2011 protests, triggered by high fuel prices and the soaring cost of living, saw thousands of Ugandans take to the streets. Dr. Kizza Besigye, then the face of the opposition, mobilized masses under the “Walk-to-Work” campaign to protest government economic policies.
Omala became the face of the police response. His tactical deployments and firm control of city streets often led to the quick dispersal of crowds. It was under his command that Besigye, along with other protest leaders, were repeatedly arrested, sometimes violently, drawing sharp reactions both locally and internationally.
Despite accusations of heavy-handedness, Omala defended his actions, insisting they were necessary to maintain law and order in a volatile environment. His methods, although controversial, were effective in breaking the momentum of the demonstrations.
Transition to the Private Sector
After a decorated but often polarizing career, Omala retired from the police in 2023. He was at the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at the time of his retirement.
Omala would later transition into private security, serving as Deputy CEO in charge of operations at Arrow Security Systems Limited, where he continued to apply his expertise in safety management and operational leadership until the time of his passing.
In the final chapter of his life, Omala battled cancer and kidney complications, which kept him bedridden for several months. He remained quietly out of the public eye as his health deteriorated. On Monday, April 28, 2025, he breathed his last at Mulago Hospital.
Legacy
Sam Omala’s name will forever be tied to one of Uganda’s most politically charged periods and the chambers of the police force. To some, he was a patriot who upheld stability in trying times; to others, he was a symbol of state suppression against dissent.
Yet what remains undisputed is that Omala was a fierce and loyal servant of the police force, a man who believed deeply in the duty of maintaining order, no matter the personal or public cost. His complex legacy rings a reminder about the fine line between public order and political freedom in times of national tension.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative anews platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp for realtime updates.
