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In a reshuffle, President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Abbas Byakagaba, the former Director of Counter Terrorism at the Uganda Police Force, as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP). Byakagaba, who retired from the police force in March at the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, takes over from Martin Okoth-Ochola. The announcement was confirmed by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Faruk Kirunda in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday evening.
In his new role, Byakagaba will be deputized by Assistant Inspector General of Police James Ochaya, who replaces Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi. It is expected that Gen Katsigazi will be redeployed within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Kirunda’s statement emphasized the confidence President Museveni has in Byakagaba’s capabilities: “I confirm that H.E. the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF has today appointed Mr. Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police replacing IGP Martin Okoth Ochola. Other changes have been effected in the Uganda Police Force.”
Byakagaba’s appointment comes after a notable career marked by his specialized training in counterterrorism, including advanced training from the United States. His extensive experience includes operations targeting Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist cells across Uganda and the arrest of numerous suspects involved in these criminal activities.
Despite retiring recently and handing over his responsibilities to SCP Frank Mwesigwa, Byakagaba’s return to the force highlights the critical need for his expertise. His background in counterterrorism positions him as a strategic leader equipped to address Uganda’s evolving security challenges.
As Byakagaba steps into his new role, the Uganda Police Force is set to undergo further transformations under his leadership, with an emphasis on combating terrorism and enhancing national security.