Former Inspector General of Police Retired General Kale Kayihura addressed incorrect media claims suggesting he feels excluded from official functions. During a conversation with NBS Television and Nile Post reporter Thomas Kitimbo, he clarified these reports misrepresented his current situation. He emphasized his contentment, focusing on agricultural activities at his residence located in Kashagama, Lyantonde District, yet maintained involvement with national affairs and public service through different means.
Kayihura attended recent significant events, including Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6 and Liberation Day commemorations on January 26. He explained that his farming commitments limit participation at every function despite receiving numerous invitations from various community groups. The retired general produces food and beverages, including yogurt he believes ranks among the finest available in Uganda, viewing these agricultural pursuits as another form of public service.
He spoke about his retirement ceremony at State House on August 31, 2023, marking the end of his military career. His police service concluded earlier in March 2018. Kayihura expressed readiness to serve again if called upon, describing his commitment as lifelong based on his original decision to join the struggle. He considers his current agricultural activities an extension of public service through providing essential products to urban communities and supporting his immediate family and neighborhood.
The former police chief explained media reports claiming he felt isolated stemmed from misinterpreted remarks made during a memorial service for his colleague John Cossy Odomel at St Charles Lwanga Church in Ntinda. Those comments related to historical context about their university days from 1976 to 1979 and subsequent career paths. Kayihura mentioned jokingly noting his status as the longest-serving IGP when current Inspector General Abas Byakagaba was present but never expressed complaints about exclusion from functions.
When asked about current security challenges compared to his tenure, Kayihura expressed confidence in present leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces General MK and other security officials he previously worked alongside. He refrained from specific commentary on current approaches since circumstances differ from those he faced. Kayihura believes his administration successfully neutralized numerous security threats before his departure and hopes the methods they developed remain useful, particularly regarding community policing strategies.
He highlighted community policing as distinct from colonial-era reactive policing methods that primarily suppressed resistance. Modern police work should protect citizens, maintain close community connections, and involve residents in crime prevention efforts. Kayihura credited his predecessors, including Odomel, John Kisembo, and General Katumba, for developing these approaches. He found parallels between community policing and National Resistance Army strategies that relied on civilian support, referencing Mao Zedong's concept that guerrillas depend on population support like fish need water.
Kayihura mentioned missing daily interactions with citizens seeking assistance for various problems. He shared an anecdote about someone recently contacting him regarding an arrest in Katwe, believing Kayihura remained Inspector General. The retired official had to explain he lacked authority but still attempted to help by contacting current police personnel. These personal connections with everyday citizens represent what he misses most after leaving his position.
Regarding his previous military court case, Kayihura distinguished his situation from current debates about military courts trying civilians. As an active military officer at the time, he considered himself properly subject to military justice. The court ultimately dismissed allegations against him on August 30, 2023, which strengthened his confidence in the military justice system. He suggested civil courts face efficiency challenges, noting neighborhood land disputes lasting decades and a growing preference for mediation over litigation due to systemic inadequacies in delivering justice.
Kayihura attended recent significant events, including Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6 and Liberation Day commemorations on January 26. He explained that his farming commitments limit participation at every function despite receiving numerous invitations from various community groups. The retired general produces food and beverages, including yogurt he believes ranks among the finest available in Uganda, viewing these agricultural pursuits as another form of public service.
He spoke about his retirement ceremony at State House on August 31, 2023, marking the end of his military career. His police service concluded earlier in March 2018. Kayihura expressed readiness to serve again if called upon, describing his commitment as lifelong based on his original decision to join the struggle. He considers his current agricultural activities an extension of public service through providing essential products to urban communities and supporting his immediate family and neighborhood.
The former police chief explained media reports claiming he felt isolated stemmed from misinterpreted remarks made during a memorial service for his colleague John Cossy Odomel at St Charles Lwanga Church in Ntinda. Those comments related to historical context about their university days from 1976 to 1979 and subsequent career paths. Kayihura mentioned jokingly noting his status as the longest-serving IGP when current Inspector General Abas Byakagaba was present but never expressed complaints about exclusion from functions.
When asked about current security challenges compared to his tenure, Kayihura expressed confidence in present leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces General MK and other security officials he previously worked alongside. He refrained from specific commentary on current approaches since circumstances differ from those he faced. Kayihura believes his administration successfully neutralized numerous security threats before his departure and hopes the methods they developed remain useful, particularly regarding community policing strategies.
He highlighted community policing as distinct from colonial-era reactive policing methods that primarily suppressed resistance. Modern police work should protect citizens, maintain close community connections, and involve residents in crime prevention efforts. Kayihura credited his predecessors, including Odomel, John Kisembo, and General Katumba, for developing these approaches. He found parallels between community policing and National Resistance Army strategies that relied on civilian support, referencing Mao Zedong's concept that guerrillas depend on population support like fish need water.
Kayihura mentioned missing daily interactions with citizens seeking assistance for various problems. He shared an anecdote about someone recently contacting him regarding an arrest in Katwe, believing Kayihura remained Inspector General. The retired official had to explain he lacked authority but still attempted to help by contacting current police personnel. These personal connections with everyday citizens represent what he misses most after leaving his position.
Regarding his previous military court case, Kayihura distinguished his situation from current debates about military courts trying civilians. As an active military officer at the time, he considered himself properly subject to military justice. The court ultimately dismissed allegations against him on August 30, 2023, which strengthened his confidence in the military justice system. He suggested civil courts face efficiency challenges, noting neighborhood land disputes lasting decades and a growing preference for mediation over litigation due to systemic inadequacies in delivering justice.
