East African Gazette
Kampala
Today, the tenure of Martins Okoth Ochola as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) comes to an end, as he took over the position from his predecessor Gen. Kale Kayihura on March 4, 2018.
During the handover ceremony at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Ochola, dressed in a smart black suit, passed on the responsibilities to his Deputy, Maj. Gen. Geofrey Katsigazi pending the new President’s appointment.
In a cheerful manner, Ochola revealed that on January 2, 2024, he completed a remarkable thirty-six years (36) of service in the Uganda Police Force.
The handover ceremony, which took place on March 4, 2024, was attended by the Police Advisory Committee at the Police Boardroom.
Ochola’s journey in the force began on January 2, 1988, and culminated in his appointment as the police chief.
Throughout his career, he held various positions, including Officer in Charge (OC) of Entebbe Aviation Security, Head of Prosecution, Head of the complaints desk, Commissioner of the Legal Department, Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Director of CID, Director of the Special Duties Investigations Department CID, and Deputy IGP.
“On the 4th March 2018, His Excellency 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,” he noted.
When he assumed steering of the force’s operations precisely six years ago, he observed that the objective at hand was to enhance professionalism and reconstruct the reputation of the Institution which he had ably achieved.
“Anchoring on teamwork, support and guidance from the President and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we were able to register numerous achievements in policing as well as creating a general atmosphere of calmness, togetherness and a sense of belonging we are witnessing today,” he added.
He emphasized that the many accomplishments detailed in his handover report and by the different Directorates were achieved through collaboration with an exceptional team and committed officers at all levels, who put forth their utmost effort to ensure the institution met its constitutional obligations.
He highlighted that before the handover event, a letter was sent on January 3, 2024 to the Minister of Internal Affairs/Chairman Police Authority, requesting to end his term of service due to personal and family matters that demanded his immediate focus.
“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 IGP,” he added.
He conveyed his thanks and appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces for selecting him to lead the UPF.
“I want to take a moment to thank his leadership and support during my time in office. It has been a great honour to serve under his guidance as Commander- in- Chief. His vision for a safer and more secure Uganda, devoid of violence and crime has been inspirational not only to me alone but other Police officers as well,” he added.
He expressed his gratitude to the Uganda Police Authority, led by the Minister of Internal Affairs, for their effective supervision and guidance of the Police Management during his six-year tenure.
“To my fellow current service chiefs, our predecessors, serving and retired Police officers across all ranks and designations, civilian staff working with the Uganda Police and other officers working with sister security Agencies over and over again, I say a big thank you to all for your time, resources and contribution in securing our country during my term of service,” Ochola added.
“I had a great team of Police Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) members that I have chaired for the past six years. Indeed, they have been great in fulfilling the assignments accorded to them by the Police Council. To the committee heads, you were wonderful and gave your best,” he said.
He expressed gratitude towards the development partners and various stakeholders involved in combating crime, such as the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS), Parliament, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), media fraternity, and the entire Ugandan population for their collaboration and assistance.
“We truly value your contribution and thanks for praising us when we needed to be praised and thanks for criticizing us when we needed to be criticized,” he noted.
Ochola further expressed his gratitude to his family for their exceptional understanding and unwavering support during his tenure in the force.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that despite his six years of service, certain institutional challenges remained unresolved. He acknowledged the existence of other crucial matters that impede professional policing, which he believes the new administration can address, as stated in his handover report.
“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 noted.
Hailed
At the time of his appointment, the force was facing a multitude of obstacles, including a high crime rate and a damaged reputation.
But speaking to reporters during the weekly joint security briefing at the police headquarters in Naguru, a suburb of Kampala, on March 4, 2024, Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, emphasized that the outgoing police chief had successfully elevated the police to new levels of achievement.
“In the past six years he has led police to higher levels of achievements with his talent and managerial skills. His tenure was marked by improved efficiency in police services and modernization,” he said.
As per the police spokesperson, the force is currently awaiting the President’s appointment of the next Inspector General of Police.
Who is Ochola?
Ochola was born in 1958 in Agumiti village, Mulanda sub-county, West Budama County, in Tororo District.
He started his education at Abweli Primary School, then moved on to Rock View Primary School and Kisoko Boys Primary School, where he completed his primary leaving examinations. Ochola later attended Namilyango College, where he earned his high school diploma.
He then pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at Makerere University, graduating in 1983. The following year, he obtained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre.
In 1988, Ochola applied and was accepted into the police force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, marking the beginning of his journey in law enforcement.