The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Martins Okoth Ochola, is set to leave his position as IGP after the expiry of his contract.
Ochola has been serving his second term ever since he replaced Gen Edward Kale Kayihura on March 4, 2018. When his first three-year contract expired in March 2021, President Museveni extended it for another three years, which expires today on March 4. It is reported that Ochola informed his line minister, Maj Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, that he does not wish for his contract to be renewed as he wants to retire.
Reports further indicate that Ochola will hand over office today during a function at the police headquarters in Naguru as the police await Museveni’s appointment of his replacement.
Several senior police officers are tipped to succeed Ochola, including Francis Xavier Rwego, who is currently the Interpol Special Representative to AU, Abas Byakagaba, director of Counter-Terrorism, Joseph Mugisa, director of Fire and Rescue Services, and Grace Akullo, director of Interpol-Uganda, among others.
There are also senior military generals currently serving in the police who can be appointed as IGP. These include Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, who is currently deputizing Ochola, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, chief of joint staff, Brig Gen Christopher Damulira, director of crime intelligence, Brig Gen Jesse Kamunanwire, director of human resource administration, Brig Gen Godfrey Golooba, director of human resource development, and Maj Tom Magambo, the Head of Criminal Investigations Directorate.