Outgoing IGP Ochola Hands Over Duties to Deputy, Maj Gen. Katsigazi

On Monday, the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola, formally handed over his duties to his Deputy, Maj. Gen Tumusiime Katsigazi, at a private ceremony held at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

This transition follows the end of Ochola’s six-year tenure in the position. His contract, renewed by President Museveni in March 2021, was extended for an additional three years until March 2024. Ochola assumed the role of Inspector General of Police in 2018, succeeding General Kale Kayihura, who had served for a decade.

This marked the culmination of Ochola’s tenure as the head of the country’s law enforcement agency, spanning a remarkable six years.

Ochola’s departure from the helm of the Uganda Police Force comes as his contract reached its expiration.

Fred Enanga, the spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force, clarified that while Maj. Gen Tumusiime Katsigazi assumes the role of acting Deputy IGP, the quest for a new Inspector General of Police is underway.

Enanga praised the outgoing IGP for his significant contributions to the success of the Uganda Police Force during his six-year tenure. He stated that under his leadership, the police force achieved higher levels of efficiency and underwent modernization, resulting in improved police services.

He further revealed that during the official handing over ceremony, highlights of the achievements of IGP Emeritus John Martins Okoth-Ochola were showcased, showcasing the remarkable progress made under his leadership saying his talent and managerial skills were instrumental in steering the police force to greater achievements.

” The outgoing IGP was very critical to the great success of the Uganda Police Force in the past 6 years, where he led the police to higher levels of achievement with his talent and managerial skills. His tenure was marked by a great improved efficiency in police services and modernization of the Force. He worked side by side with the Ag. IGP, Maj. Gen. Tumusiime Katsigazi which allowed him to see the talent and capabilities that he was. “he stated

Enanga dispelled speculations regarding the non-renewal of Ochola’s contract, trashing reports that Ochola’s contract was not renewed because of internal bickering within the police leadership . He asserted that candidates for such pivotal positions undergo rigorous evaluation by the police authority before their names are submitted to President Museveni for consideration and appointment.

Maj. Gen Tumusiime Katsigazi, Acting IGP

Martin Okoth Ochola, 65, has served in the force for over 30 years. He held various positions of increasing responsibility, from deputy director of criminal investigations to director of CID, steadily ascending the ranks until his appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police in August 2011.

His tenure was characterized by efforts to enhance professionalism, uphold the rule of law, and improve public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Background

He joined the Uganda Police Force in January 1988 and started a nine-month basic training. At that time, he was given the rank of a cadet assistant superintendent of police. Following that training, in February 1989, he was posted to Entebbe International Airport as the officer in charge of airport security.

From there, he served at Entebbe Police Station, Buganda Road Court, where he remained for three years. He was then posted to police headquarters as the acting assistant commissioner of police in the legal department. He was promoted to superintendent of police and later to senior superintendent of police.

In May 2001, he was appointed the deputy director of criminal investigations and remained in that position for seven years. In 2008, he was promoted to commissioner of police. That same year, he was confirmed as director CID. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.

In August 2011, President Yoweri Museveni appointed him the deputy inspector general of police. Ochola served in that position until replacing Kale Kayihura as IGP and in turn deputizing Kayihura.