Martin Ochola’s six year years stewardship of Uganda Police Force has today come to an end as he handed over office to his deputy Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime. Ochola first held a meeting with directors inside police boardroom at force’s headquarters at Naguru before he was officially seen off by his colleagues.
Ochola in his address to the directors said: “Distinguished guests, not all Institutional challenges could be solved in the six years of my tenure. Therefore, there are other unfinished critical issues that hinder professional policing which the new administration can accomplish. Some are outlined in this handover report.”
Ochola has served police force for 36 years having joined the uniformed institution on January 02, 1988. In the 36 years of service, Ochola has served as Inspector General of Police (IGP) a role he took over on March 04, 2018 replacing Gen Edward Kale Kayihura. He previously served as deputy to Gen Kayihura, Director Special Duties, Director CID, Deputy Director CID, Commissioner Legal Department, Head complaints desk, Head Prosecution and OC Entebbe Aviation Security.
“The President appointed me as the Inspector General of Police which position I assumed with humility, commitment, dedication and determination. Three years after my appointment, the President extended my tour of duty for another three years which ends today, the 4th March 2024,” Ochola said.
In his tenure as IGP, Ochola has recruited 12,500 police constables and over 1000 Learner Assistant Inspectors of Police –LAIP. He has left after completing 360 police housing units and National CCTV Command Centre which were started by Gen Kayihura.
Ochola has also held two promotional exercise for both Senior and Junior police officers including five Senior Commissioners of Police –SCP being elevated to Assistant Inspector General of Police –AIGP which is the highest rank in police force and these are now part of 13 AIGPs of which one of the can be appointed to replace him.
“Finally, as I step into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the fond memories of our accomplishments. May the UPF continue to be a beacon of excellence and a force for positive change in the enforcement of law and order. To my successor and the incoming team, congratulations to you all. I wish you monumental success as you steer this Institution to another level,” Ochola said.
Ochola said he wrote to his supervisory ministry of Internal Affairs asking that he wanted to retire from the police force. However, some claimed that President Museveni has signaled that he would not renew his contract.
“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. Today, I am delighted to be standing before you this day to give my stewardship report and handover leadership of this great Institution to the new Inspector General of Police,” Ochola said.