Otafiire Expresses Frustration with Police Disregard for Ministry Directives

During his farewell address at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, outgoing Minister Kahinda Otafiire candidly revealed challenges he faced with sections of the Uganda Police Force, stating that some officers were unresponsive to directives from the ministry.

Otafiire described the Police Force as a source of considerable concern during his tenure. He noted instances where he would issue clear instructions, only to discover later that they had been disregarded. This lack of adherence, he explained, extended to the withholding of information on sensitive matters, despite his position as the line minister.

He recounted a specific incident where police blocked an event organized by Busoga One Radio in Jinja City, even after he had intervened and ordered that it proceed. Otafiire emphasized his background in intelligence, stating he was aware of developments even when information was deliberately kept from him, choosing instead to exercise strategic patience.

“If you want people to hang themselves, give them enough rope. I knew what was happening and I kept quiet. I allowed events to unfold,” Otafiire remarked, drawing laughter from the audience. He contrasted his approach with that of a lion, advocating for a more covert, leopard-like style of leadership.

While critical of the police, Otafiire commended other departments under his purview. The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and the Uganda Prisons Service received praise for their performance, with Otafiire advocating for the retention of experienced officials in the immigration department to sustain ongoing reforms.

He expressed particular satisfaction with the Uganda Prisons Service, calling it the most stable institution that gave him the least cause for worry. Otafiire reiterated his leadership philosophy, which focused on empowering technical staff to do their work with minimal political interference.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the ministry’s staff and wishing his successor, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, well in his new role.

This account is based on reporting from Nile Post.