The impending conclusion of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Ochola's tenure has ignited discussions within the corridors of Naguru police headquarters, with speculation rife regarding his potential successor. Ochola, who assumed the position on March 4, 2018, following the departure of Gen Edward Kale Kayihura, is currently serving his second term of three years.
However, amidst the speculation, Ochola has not officially communicated his intentions to seek an extension of his contract. According to protocol, such a request is expected to be made within six months of the expiration of the incumbent's term. Sources within the police department suggest that Ochola has indicated to senior officers his decision not to pursue contract renewal.
A senior police source revealed, "When his initial term was nearing its end in March 2021, he formally expressed his interest in contract renewal to the police authority in November 2020. The application was forwarded to the President by Gen Jeje Odong, the Minister for Internal Affairs, and subsequently renewed. However, this time around, no such request has been made."
Responding to inquiries about Ochola's retirement plans, police spokesperson Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP) Fred Enanga stated, "His contract ends on March 4, 2024. That's all." Yet, additional sources claim that Ochola has informed his line minister, Maj Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, of his impending retirement. However, this assertion was not confirmed by Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson.
With President Yoweri Museveni's decision regarding Ochola's contract renewal pending and no formal request made, discussions have turned to potential successors among the thirteen career top police officers holding the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP).
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 tenure, if 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.
