President Yoweri Museveni, also Uganda’s Commander in Chief, recently made significant changes in the Uganda Police Force. These changes included appointing Abbas Byakagaba, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) who recently retired, as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Additionally, Museveni appointed James Ochaya as the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), replacing Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Katsigazi. Byakagaba took over from Martin Okoth Ochola, who retired in February this year.
The appointments of Byakagaba and Ochaya have been forwarded to the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among. The Speaker will convene the Appointments Committee to vet them before their official assumption of duties.
In the latest changes, President Museveni opted to remove most Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) officers who held positions in the Uganda Police Force. However, AIGP Brig. Christopher Ddamulira remains the director of Crime Intelligence, and AIGP Tom Magambo continues as the head of Criminal Investigations.
Key figures recalled included Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, previously the Police Joint Chief of Staff, who was appointed as a senior presidential advisor. Brig. Godfrey Golooba, the director of human resource, was also among those recalled to the UPDF.
The new appointments included Senior Commissioner Hadijah Namutebi as the director for research, planning, and development, replacing AIGP Ochaya. Senior Commissioner of Police Moses Kafeero became the new Human Resource Director, replacing Brig. Golooba.
Senior Commissioner of Police Felix Baryamwisaki was appointed as the director for ICT in the Police force, replacing Yusuf Ssewanyana. AIGP Fadhil Kaali took over as the director of Fire and Rescue Services, and Senior Commissioner of Police Frank Mwesigwa became the new Police operations director.
Moreover, Senior Commissioner of Police David Wasswa was appointed as the new director of Police Counter Terrorism.
Byakagaba, the newly appointed IGP, has served in various roles within the Uganda Police Force, including as the Director of Operations and the Regional Police Commander. He has also served as Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) and Director of Counter Terrorism from 2020 to 2024, among other positions.
These changes mark a significant shift in leadership within the Uganda Police Force under President Museveni’s administration.
