Museveni brings Byakagaba from retirement to replace Ochola as IGP

In the change announced by State House last night, Museveni also named AIGP James Ochaya, will replace Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi

Byakagaba’s Return from Retirement

Abbas Byakagaba, previously serving as the Director of Counter-Terrorism, had retired after his contract expired. Byakagaba’s career has been marked by his expertise in counter-terrorism, having received specialized training from the United States. His retirement was part of a broader exodus of senior police officials whose contracts were not renewed.

Ochola’s Tenure and Departure

Martin Okoth Ochola, retired from the Police Force in March this year. He had served as IGP since 2018, when he replaced Gen Kale Kayihura.

His tenure saw significant restructuring within the Uganda Police Force. Ochola's leadership was characterized by a reduction in the number of police directorates and an emphasis on merging specialized units.

Despite these efforts, Ochola’s tenure was also marked by challenges, including the increasing deployment of military officers to senior police positions, which sometimes led to tensions within the force​