IGP Ochola hands over office to Katsigazi!

George Williams, 4th March 2024

The Inspector General of Police Okoth Ochola has today handed over Office to his Deputy AIGP Godfrey Katsigazi after hitting the mandatory retirement age of 60. The hand over ceremony was held at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru Kampala.

Ochola applauded the appointing authority who is the President for the support given to him during his five year tenure which enabled the force to achieve a number of things.

“Anchoring on teamwork, support and guidance from the President and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we were able to register numerous achievements in policing as well as creating a general atmosphere of calmness, togetherness and a sense of belonging we are witnessing today”, Ochola said in his speech.

Ochola posing for a photo with other senior Police officers

Ochola also said that it was his desire to retire and that he had informed the Minister of Internal affairs about it early this year.

“Prior to this occasion, on 3rd January 2024, I wrote to the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs/Chairman Police Authority requesting to conclude my tour of duty due to personal and domestic issues that require my personal attention” said Ochola in his handover speech.

Ochola who has been in police for over 30 years headed the force from August 2018 after dropping his embattled boss Gen Kale Kayihura. However during his tenure he kept a low profile with very few public or media appearances with only his Deputies being seen to do most work and this made many to think that he was not in charge of the force.

His Deputies included Gen Sabiti Muzeyi who was dropped, Gen Paul Loketch who died and now Maj Gen Katsigazi Godfrey whom he handed over office as the acting Inspector General of Police. Earlier last week the Police Force informed the country that the search for Ochola’s replacement was ongoing meaning that Katsigazi will serve in the acting capacity until the replacement is got