Inspector General of Police, John Martins Okoth Ochola, is set to conclude his tenure following the expiration of his contract, according to reports from Police Insiders. Ochola assumed the role of police chief in March 2018, succeeding Gen Kale Kayihura. Initially appointed for a three-year term, President Museveni extended Ochola's tenure for an additional three years in March 2021, which is scheduled to end on March 4.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that Ochola will formally hand over his duties later today during a ceremony at the police headquarters in Naguru. While President Museveni reportedly expressed interest in retaining him, it's understood that Ochola has opted to retire from the force at this time.
Recent warnings from the police leadership cautioned against senior security officers lobbying for Ochola's position. Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, emphasized that the appointment of the Inspector General of Police is based on merit and competence rather than lobbying efforts. Enanga stressed that the process involves vetting by the police authority and subsequent nomination to the president for approval.
John Martins Okoth Ochola, a seasoned police officer with three decades of experience, has ascended through the ranks to reach the pinnacle of the force. Born in 1958 in Agumiti village, Tororo District, Ochola's educational journey began at Abweli Primary School, followed by Rock View Primary School and Kisoko Boys Primary School. He completed his secondary education at Namilyango College before pursuing higher studies at Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1983. Subsequently, he obtained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre in 1984.
As Ochola prepares to step down from his role as Inspector General of Police, his legacy as a dedicated and experienced law enforcement professional is poised to leave a lasting impact on Uganda's security landscape. With the transition underway, attention now turns to President Museveni's selection of Ochola's successor, a decision that will shape the future direction of the Ugandan police force.
Among the top contenders are career police officers such as Francis Xavier Rwego, currently serving as the Interpol Special Representative to AU, Abas Byakagaba, director of Counter-Terrorism, and Grace Akullo, director of Interpol-Uganda. Additionally, there are military Generals within the police force who could be considered for the position, including Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, currently serving as Ochola's deputy.
Ochola's tGen Edward Kale Kayihura.enure, if by any means extended, could potentially make him one of the longest-serving IGPs in Uganda's history. However, if a military General is appointed to succeed him, it would mark the third time such a transition has occurred during the nearly 40-year rule of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), following the leadership of Gen Edward Katumba Wamala and Gen Edward Kale Kayihura.
