Politics 15 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gen Otafiire's Parting Shot: Why He Criticized Police Leadership
Outgoing Internal Affairs Minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire publicly criticized police leaders for their alleged disregard of instructions, hinting at disputes over promotions, procurement, and rogue conduct during his tenure. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-gen-otafiire-has-lit-up-fire-at-police-as-he-signs-out-5496546
As Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire handed over the mantle of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, he did not shy away from expressing his frustrations with the Uganda Police Force leadership during his term. Gen. Otafiire stated that some police leaders became unresponsive to his directives, acting independently.
“All was well until [Maj Gen Geoffrey] Katsigazi left. You remember we were doing well until this regime came in. Some of them were not listening. Their problem was not listening. You tell them, don’t do this [they do the contrary],” Gen Otafiire remarked, reflecting on a period when Maj Gen Katsigazi was Deputy IGP and later Acting IGP.
Following his departure, Gen. Otafiire took to his X platform, urging his successor, Prof. Kamuntu, to “not tolerate any form of extrajudicial killings, especially by a few rogue officers in the Crime Intelligence Directorate.” The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Abas Byakagaba, and the Director of Crime Intelligence, Maj Gen Christopher Damulira, declined to comment on the former minister’s remarks, with Gen. Damulira dismissing them as “politics and blackmail.”
Sources suggest that the relationship between Gen. Otafiire and some police directors, including Gen. Damulira, soured around 2024, possibly linked to disagreements concerning political succession. Gen. Otafiire had previously lauded Gen. Damulira for investigations into cases involving National Unity Platform supporters, but their alliance reportedly fractured.
Other significant points of contention included allegations of torture and illegal arrests by Crime Intelligence personnel, procurement dealings for police housing, and irregularities in police promotions. Gen. Otafiire also clashed with the Ministry of Finance over delays in a public-private partnership housing project and expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of a CCTV camera maintenance deal.
Disputes over irregular promotions, where undeserving officers allegedly received promotions while seniors were overlooked, and issues surrounding a Shs26 billion CCTV maintenance deal also created rifts. The latter even led to President Museveni ordering investigations and placing certain officials on forced leave.
Gen. Otafiire concluded his remarks by emphasizing his continued commitment to improving the force, suggesting his involvement would persist under the new leadership.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)