The Uganda Police Force have described the Late Sam Omara retired former Assistant Commissioner of Police as a gallant and dedicated officer who served well and retired honorably.
Kituuma Rusoke the Uganda police spokesman said this during a press briefing on Monday confirming his death this morning.
Sam Omara, whose career was closely tied to the state’s crackdown on opposition activities had been battling serious health issues, including prostate cancer and kidney failure.
Omara’s declining health led to financial support from both Mukula and President Museveni to cover his medical bills.
Omara became the face of the police’s “preventive arrest” strategy, a move widely criticized for curtailing the movements of political opponents, most notably Dr. Kizza Besigye. His unit famously maintained a constant presence outside Besigye’s Kasangati home, often drawing public outrage, particularly after reports emerged that police officers resorted to relieving themselves on nearby farms during the prolonged deployments.
Known for his frequent media appearances, Omara often addressed cameras with an awkward smirk that many interpreted as mocking those he policed. While some government circles praised him as a tough enforcer of law and order, a significant number of Ugandans accused him of brutal and heavy-handed methods.
After retiring from the police force in 2020, he briefly considered entering politics before joining Capt Mike Mukula’s private security firm, Arrows Security Services, where he often spoke proudly of earning a “seven-figure salary.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.