The Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, has asked President Museveni to keep him as the IGP for the next three years after as his current contract expires later this year.
The Ugandan understands that Gen Kayihura applied for renewal of his term on January, 16 2017 laying down grounds for the appointing authority to keep the police top job.
According to highly placed sources in the police, the IGP’s application has already been received by the office of the internal affairs minister Gen Jeje Odongo.
When contacted for this article, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi, the police spokesman said that the issue is not for discussion in the media.
“If the IGP has applied for a new contract or not it is his wish. He does not need our approval if he wanted to request for renewal of his contract,” Mr Kaweesi said.
According to our source, Gen Kayihura defended his credentials, saying that he has introduced good relations between the police and wananchi.
Gen Kayihura also talks of how he has improved the welfare and motivation of officers at all ranks in the force. The source also adds that the IGP stated in the application that although there is always going to be crime in society, the vice has significantly reduced under Gen Kayihura who hails from Kisoro District.
Gen Kayihura is UPDF general and replaced Gen Katumba Wamala in 2005 that has just been sent to the ministry of works and transport.
Gen Kayihura’s tenure has been marred with clashes opposition politicians who accuse him of working to please the president and being an NRM cadre.
Police, under the leadership of Gen Kayihura has also been criticized for failing to stop gun violence and organised crime targeting high profile people such as the Muslim clerics.
How IGP’s contract is renewed
The Police council, the highest decision making organ of the Uganda Police Force is charged with handling the IGP’s matter.
It is headed by the minister of internal affairs and when it is satisfied that the IGP’s contract should be renewed; his name is approved and then sent to the president who then decides whether to send the name to parliament for approval or otherwise.
Who is Gen Kayihura
Gen Kayihura was born in Kisoro District, Western Uganda, on 26 December 1955. He is the son of John Komuluyange Kalekezi, one of the Ugandans who fought for the African Great Lakes nation’s independence, which occurred on 9 October 1962.
Kayihura’s military training
General Kayihura has attended a number of military courses including the following the Army Command Course at the Army Commander College, in Nanjing, China, the Combined Arms Course, the Brigade/Battalion Commander’s Course and the Conflict Resolution and Management Course at Nasser Military Academy, Cairo, Egypt.
He has also attended the Command and Staff Course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, United States, from 2000 to 2001.
