In a significant moment of transition, former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, officially retired from active service with the UPDF, marking the culmination of a remarkable 41-year military career that began in 1982. The retirement ceremony, which honored 11 generals, including Gen Kayihura, was held at State House in Entebbe.
Joining Gen Kayihura in retirement were Lt Gen James Nakibus Lakara, Maj Gen Samuel Wasswa Mutesasira, Maj Gen Joseph Arocha, and Maj Gen David Wakaalo. The list also featured Brig Gen Austine Kasatwooki Kamanyire, Brig Gen Stephen Oluka, Brig Gen Frank Katende Kyambadde, Brig Gen Emmanuel Kwihangana, Brig Gen Wilson Muhabuzi, and Brig Gen Ham Atwooki Kaija.
President Museveni commended the retirees for their significant contributions to Uganda's peace and stability through their service in the UPDF. He noted that the revolutionary force they helped build had not only saved Uganda but also made contributions to resolving regional issues within the Great Lakes region.
Speaking to the retired generals, President Museveni emphasized that retirement should not be seen as redundancy but as a transition to another form of service. He highlighted that a comprehensive retirement package had been ensured, underlining that the country's economy had transformed significantly since 1986. He encouraged the retirees to utilize this package wisely, suggesting investments in areas like food production.
Gen Kayihura, reflecting on his retirement, noted that Uganda was now peaceful, secure, and stable, contrasting the conditions during his early years of service.
Gen Kayihura's career began in 1982 when he joined the NRA rebels shortly after completing his Master of Laws in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he played several crucial roles within the NRA, eventually becoming an aide to Gen Salim Saleh, then the commander of the NRA Mobile Brigade.
In 1985, he was appointed to lead the anti-smuggling unit in captured areas, a role he held until the NRA rebels took power. Gen Kayihura also served as a staff officer in the assistant minister of Defence's office and as a member of the tender board.
He later assumed the position of acting chief political commissar and director of political education in the army before his promotion to the rank of captain in 1988. He also served as the military assistant to President Museveni and later headed the Special Revenue Police Service, known for its anti-smuggling operations.
Gen Kayihura's most prominent role came in 2005 when he was appointed Inspector General of Police, a position he held for 13 years, making him the longest-serving IGP in Uganda's history. His tenure saw improvements within the police force, although critics accused him of aiding President Museveni's grip on power.
Following his removal as IGP in 2018, Gen Kayihura faced legal troubles, including charges related to the failure to protect war material aiding and abetting the kidnapping and repatriation of individuals to Rwanda. However, this week, the army court dropped these charges, marking a significant development in his post-retirement journey.
