Former Inspector General of Police, retired General Edward Kale Kayihura, has confirmed that he has no intention of entering politics and will instead dedicate his time to farming and religious activities.
Kayihura, a notable goat farmer in Kashagama, Lyantonde District, expressed his stance, stating, “I am not interested in joining politics.” He further emphasized his plans, saying, “Now that I am retired from the army, I will devote most of my time to farming and serving God.”
During a thanksgiving mass at St Mary’s Catholic Parish Mutolere in Kisoro District, which was overseen by Bishop of Kabale Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, Kayihura’s declaration came amidst rumors of his potential candidacy for the Member of Parliament position in Bufumbira East, currently held by Dr. James Nsaba Buturo.
Previously a key mobilizer for President Museveni during the 2011 and 2016 general elections, Kayihura was removed from his position as Inspector General of Police in March 2021. Subsequently, he was arrested on charges related to aiding the illegal repatriation of Rwandan refugees. Notably, these events occurred during a period of strained relations between Uganda and Rwanda.
Kayihura denied any collaboration with Rwandan leader Paul Kagame to undermine President Museveni’s regime, countering the allegations, even before close associates of the president, such as Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Addressing his time spent in Makindye Military Barracks, where he was incarcerated for two years, Kayihura described it as a humbling experience. He said, “The time I spent in jail was a revelation to me that as human beings, we are limited. It was the mercy of God that I managed to be set free after it was found out that I was innocent.”
In a significant turn of events, Uganda’s military leadership dropped charges against Kayihura on August 30, just one day before his retirement from the army. Throughout this period, he had been on bail since 2020, with restricted movement.
Kayihura expressed his unwavering loyalty to President Museveni and noted the president’s meticulous approach to investigating allegations against him, stating, “Museveni is not like our past leaders. He takes time to investigate cases before taking decisions.”
He likened his situation to that of Jesus, saying, “I am so grateful to President Museveni for taking time to investigate all the allegations against me. I thank people who were there for me like General Salim Saleh, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and others that even visited me at Makindye.”
Kayihura credited the church for his upbringing and moral values, highlighting the significance of the rosary he wore, a symbol of his faith. He expressed gratitude to those who supported the church’s renovation efforts, including businessman Caesar Mulenga, who pledged Shs 50 million for the church’s restoration.
Asigario Turyagyenda, the chairman of laity of Mutolere denary, indicated that approximately Shs 1.2 billion was needed for the church’s renovation. Bishop Rubaramira encouraged people to follow Kayihura’s example of forgiveness.
The event was attended by Rose Kabagyenyi, the former Kisoro Woman MP and now Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, as well as Eng. Alex Seruganda.
