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The handover and takeover ceremony, held at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, was presided over by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire.
At the same function, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) James Ochaya took over from Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Katsigazi as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP).
Abbas Byakagaba replaced Martin Okoth Ochola.
The new IGP, previously serving as the Director of Counter-Terrorism, had retired after his contract expired.
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His career has been marked by his expertise in counter-terrorism, having received specialized training from the United States.
His retirement was part of a broader exodus of senior police officials whose contracts were not renewed.
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Martin Okoth Ochola retired from the Police Force in March this year. He had served as IGP since 2018 when he replaced Gen Kale Kayihura.
His tenure saw significant restructuring within the Uganda Police Force.
Ochola's leadership was characterised by a reduction in the number of police directorates and an emphasis on merging specialised units.
Despite these efforts, Ochola’s tenure was also marked by challenges, including the increasing deployment of military officers to senior police positions, which sometimes led to tensions within the force.
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Abbas Byakagaba assumes office as the Inspector General of Police amidst an increased crime rate, especially in Kampala.
Concerns about the increased crime rate have swept through social media as victims share heart-wrenching testimonies.
In some cases, the police itself has shared footage of people being violently robbed.