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On January 2, 2024, Mr. J.M. Okoth-Ochola marked a significant milestone in his career, celebrating thirty-six years of service in the Uganda Police Force. Having joined the institution on January 2, 1988, his journey culminated in his appointment as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), a position he assumed on March 4, 2018. Over the years, Okoth-Ochola held various roles within the force, including Deputy IGP, Director of Special Duties, Director of CID, Deputy Director of CID, Commissioner of the Legal Department, Head of Complaints Desk, Head of Prosecution, and Officer Commanding Entebbe Aviation Security.
His tenure as the IGP spanned three years, during which he served with humility, commitment, dedication, and determination. This period was marked by notable achievements aimed at professionalizing the force and rebuilding its image. Okoth-Ochola’s leadership, supported by teamwork and guidance from the President and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, fostered an environment of calmness, unity, and belonging within the institution.
However, on March 4, 2024, Okoth-Ochola’s term as the IGP came to an end. He reflected on his tenure, highlighting the challenges faced and the accomplishments achieved during his leadership. In a letter addressed to the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs/Chairman Police Authority on January 3, 2024, Okoth-Ochola expressed his desire to conclude his tour of duty due to personal and domestic matters requiring his attention.
In his farewell address, Okoth-Ochola expressed gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda for entrusting him with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force. He commended the President’s vision for a safer and more secure Uganda, emphasizing the importance of his guidance and support throughout his term in office.
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Acknowledging the role of the Uganda Police Authority under the leadership of the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs, Okoth-Ochola thanked the authority for its supervision and guidance over the past six years. He also extended his appreciation to fellow service chiefs, past and present police officers, civilian staff, and officers from sister security agencies for their contributions to maintaining law and order in the country.
Okoth-Ochola recognized the efforts of the Police Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Police Council Delegates, whom he chaired during his tenure. He commended their dedication and teamwork in reviewing policies, assessing implementation levels, and formulating strategies to meet the evolving demands of policing.
Additionally, Okoth-Ochola expressed gratitude to development partners, stakeholders, and the people of Uganda for their cooperation and support in the fight against crime. He acknowledged their role in providing constructive feedback, whether in praise or criticism, to help improve policing efforts.
Despite the achievements made during his tenure, Okoth-Ochola acknowledged that not all institutional challenges could be resolved within six years. He highlighted some unfinished critical issues in his handover report, urging the incoming administration to address them to enhance professional policing.
As he concluded his address, Okoth-Ochola bid farewell to his colleagues and wished them success in their future endeavors. He expressed confidence in the incoming leadership and urged them to continue striving for excellence in enforcing law and order in Uganda.
In his final words, Okoth-Ochola extended his best wishes to everyone and their families, expressing his hope for a prosperous future for Uganda and the Uganda Police Force.
| Achievements during Okoth-Ochola’s Tenure |
|---|
| – Professionalization of the police force |
| – Rebuilding the image of the institution |
| – Creating an atmosphere of calmness and unity |
| – Strengthening teamwork and cooperation |
| – Enhancing public trust and confidence |
| – Improving law enforcement and crime prevention efforts |
| Unfinished Critical Issues |
|---|
| – Institutional challenges |
| – Professional policing hindrances |
| – Policy and strategy formulation |
| – Resource allocation and utilization |
| – Collaborative partnerships |
| – Community engagement and trust-building |
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