Following a successful tenure of 36 years in the police forces, Martins Okoth – Ochola now former Inspector general of police has officially bowed down six years in the top position.
Handing over his office to the deputy Maj.Gen Katsigazi Tumusiime, on Monday at the police headquarters in Naguru, Ochola revealed how he had requested his seniors to conclude his tour of duty due to personal and domestic issues that require my personal attention.
With consideration by the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs/Chairman Police Authority, whose request was directed to, Ochola handed over his stewardship report and leadership of what he described as a great Institution to the new Inspector General of Police.
“When I took over the steering of affairs of this great Institution at about this time exactly 6 years ago, the task was clear – Professionalizing and Rebuilding the image of the Institution.Anchoring on teamwork, support and guidance from the President and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we were able to register numerous achievements in policing as well as creating a general atmosphere of calmness, togetherness and a sense of belonging we are witnessing today,” Ochola noted.
He added, “The numerous achievements spelt out in my handover report and by the various Directorates, were made possible working with a wonderful team and dedicated officers, across all ranks, who gave their best in ensuring that the Institution succeeded in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”
On 2nd January 2024, Ochola made a service record of thirty-six years in the Uganda Police Force, having joined the Institution on the 2nd January 1988. Within this period, which was climaxed by my appointment as Inspector General of Police, he was particularly fortunate to have served as a Deputy IGP, Director Special Duties, Director CID, Deputy Director CID, Commissioner Legal Department, Head complaints desk, Head Prosecution and OC Entebbe Aviation Security.
On the 4th March 2018, His Excellency The President appointed him as the Inspector General of Police which was extended Three years after appointment for another three years
Former IGP remised a great team of Police Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) members that he had chaired for the past six years. He noted that indeed, they had been great in fulfilling the assignments accorded to them by the Police Council and that even the committee heads were wonderful and gave their best something he appreciated.
Similarly, he applauded the Police Council Delegates that he chaired for the same period. “They all came out, attended meetings, made good presentations, deliberations and gave their time whenever required. Consequently, and working as a team, we were able to review the Force’s policies, assess implementation levels and formulated strategies to overcome the dynamic policing demands of the ever-changing environment,” Ochola said.
He thanked the development partners and other several stakeholders in fighting crime that include, among others; JLOS, Parliament, UHRC, media fraternity and all the people of Uganda, for their cooperation and support. Their contribution was truly valued including both positive and negative criticism.
“Finally, as I step into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the fond memories of our accomplishments. May the UPF continue to be a beacon of excellence and a force for positive change in the enforcement of law and order, he emphasized
Urging that not all Institutional challenges could be solved in the six years of my tenure. Therefore, there are other unfinished critical issues that hinder professional policing which the new administration can accomplish with some outlined in this handover report.
“To my successor and the incoming team, congratulations to you all. I wish you monumental success as you steer this Institution to another level.First and foremost, allow me express my deep personal appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Commander in- Chief of the Armed Forces, for appointing and entrusting me with the leadership of this great Institution.”
