President Museveni has named retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police, succeeding Mr. Martins Okoth Ochola, who retired two months ago.
In addition to Byakagaba’s appointment, President Museveni has appointed AIGP James Ochaya, formerly the Force’s Director of Research and Planning, as the new Deputy Inspector General of Police. Ochaya replaces Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi, whose contract with the police was due to end this month.
Security sources report that the president has communicated these changes to the Police Authority, led by Minister of Internal Affairs Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire. The information has been relayed to the police leadership. The deputy presidential press secretary, Faruk Kirunda, confirmed the developments.
“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,” Mr. Kirunda stated on Friday.
On May 7, 2024, AIGP (Rtd) Byakagaba handed over his position as Director of Counter Terrorism following the end of his contract. Byakagaba has previously trained with the USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
Several other police directors have also been reassigned, including two senior army officers who have been returned to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
AIGP Kaali Ali Fahdi, previously head of the Field Force Unit, has been transferred to the Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services as the director, replacing AIGP Joseph Mugisa. AIGP John Nuwagira, formerly Director of Operations, has been appointed commander of the Field Force Unit.
Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP) Hadijah Namutebi has moved from her acting role as director of the Chief Political Commissariat to the Directorate of Welfare as the acting director. SCP Ubaldo Bamunoba will replace her. SCP Frank Mwesigwa, who has been the acting Director of Counter Terrorism, has been appointed Director of Operations.
