The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has been cited as one of the key institutions that have helped reshape the image of the police institution.
According to retiring Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola, the Commission headed by Hajat Fauzat Mariam Wangadya and her team of commissioners, is among those stakeholders including the media that have helped police to make reforms in it’s work through the various recommendations they make.
Other institutions police relied on during his tenure at the helm of this institution include Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), Parliament and the wanainchi.
He says the UHRC and other stakeholders have been on the forefront in making objective observations which he said, helped him fulfill the tasks given to him by the Commander-in-Chief.
“I want to thank 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 your cooperation and support” he said in a moving speech he made as he handed over leadership of the police after serving for six years as it’s head.
Ochola noted that the police was indeed grateful to the UHRC and other stakeholders for their contribution and continues to value it.
“Thanks for praising us when we needed to be praised and thanks for criticizing us when we needed to be criticized” he said.
He said when he took over leadership of police 6 years ago, the task given to him by the CiC Gen. Yoweri Museveni was to Professionalize and Rebuild the ‘hitherto tainted’ image of the police.
He said anchoring on teamwork, support and guidance from the President and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the institution has been able to register numerous achievements in policing as well as creating a general atmosphere of calmness, togetherness and a sense of belonging that Ugandans are witnessing today.
Ochola a lawyer and a career policeman, attributed the numerous achievement to working with what he called a wonderful team and dedicated officers, across all ranks. He said these officers gave their best in ensuring that the Institution succeeded in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
He however, noted that not all challenges facing police could be solved in the six years he was the IGP but the incoming leadership will also build on what he did.
“Therefore, there are other unfinished critical issues that hinder professional policing which the new administration can accomplish. Some are outlined in this handover report. 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 said and wished the incoming leadership success.
He also thanked his family for their understanding and support throughout his service in the Uganda Police Force.
OCHOLA TIME IN POLICE
Ochola joined police on January 2 1988 and rose the ranks to become the IGP. He served as Deputy IGP under sacked Gen. Edward Kale Kayihura, Director Special Duties, Director CID, Deputy Director CID, Commissioner Legal Department, Head complaints desk, Head Prosecution and OC Entebbe Aviation Security. On May 4 2018, Museveni knifed Kayihura and replaced him with Ochola. His contract expired after initial three years but was extended for more three years which expired on Monday March 4 2024. However, before it expired, the man from Japadhola land penned a letter to internal affairs minister Gen. Severino Kahinda Otafiire seeking to retire citing personal and domestic issues that required his personal attention.
ABOUT THE UHRC
The retiring IGP Ochola’s remarks about the Uganda Human Rights Commission are not by surprise. The Commission which boosts of seven commissioners headed by Wangadya has continued to exhibit teamwork spirit as a human rights watchdog in it’s activities across all spheres.
Last month, Wangadya in company of her Commissioners including Simeo Nsubuga, Shifra Lukwago, Chrispin Kaheru, Col. Steven Basaliza, Lamex Omara Apitta and Jacket Atuhaire handed over an investigation report into the welfare of police to the deputy speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. In that report, the UHRC noted various findings in form of weaknesses which needed to be addressed by the police administration. Some of the weaknesses were to do with shortfalls in operational gears, accommodation, promotions and deployment deffiencies. Wangadya is an accomplished advocate of the Supreme Court and has served in this Commission for decades rising through the ranks to sit on its top. She was also deputy IGG before Gen. Museveni elevated her to head UHRC which however, currently faces budgetary shortfalls in spite of the ever changing human rights terrain which increases demand for the commission’s services.
