I can’t be sacked via Whatsapp - Kayihura

What you need to know:

  • Curious. The IGP wondered why so many people are interested in his position.

MASINDI.

The Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, has dismissed recent social media reports that he had been sacked and replaced by Internal Security Organisation director general Brig Ronnie Barya.

Gen Kayihura said his sacking cannot be done through social media as it has been portrayed in the recent past. But he was quick to say that his current position as chief of the police is not a lifetime job because he can be redeployed by the President.

Gen Kayihura also wondered why many people seemed interested in his job.

“There is a lot that is going on on social media and other media houses regarding my replacement. You see stories circulating that Kayihura has been sacked,” he said when he was passing out 400 crime intelligence and ICT police offers at Police Training School Kabalye in Masindi at the weekend.

“I cannot be sacked from social media. Besides, I am not life IGP. My job is prone to replacement,” he said.

The claims about Gen Kayihura being sacked had gone wild on social media for more than a week.

The claims
Last week, some media houses reported that President Museveni had finalised plans to replace Kayihura and his deputy Martin Ochora.

While speaking to The Observer newspaper in an interview, Mr Ochora said there are young officers eyeing his job.

Still at the same function at Kabalye, Gen Kayihura warned division and district police commanders (DPCs) to stop unprofessional acts to raise money to buy luxurious vehicles.

He said many DPCs have focused on buying expensive and latest models of cars, something he said was forcing them into unscrupulous means of wealth accumulation.
“I hear some DPCs are competing to buy expensive cars. Where do you get the money? You are young officers, why should you worry? I am old but contented with the little I have,” Gen Kayihura said.

A senior police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said several DPCs have been cited in acts of extortion and bribery. He said some of them even escort drug dealers while others connive with breakdown truck drivers to fleece drivers.

“We have warned some of the DPCs. If they don’t change, they will face it rough. We have complainants and we are just giving them chance to redeem themselves,” a senior police officer said.

Police spokesperson Andrew Kaweesi informed Gen Kayihura that hundreds of police constables have been spoilt by alcohol and drugs that they cannot even chase a chicken thief.

“I want to inform you [IGP] that many junior officers have been wasted by alcohol and no longer fit to serve in this force. They cannot even stand on one leg for a second because of alcohol. They walk staggering even during day time,” Mr Kaweesi briefed his boss.

In response, Gen Kayihura ordered Mr Kaweesi, who is also the director of human resource development, to dismiss all officers who have been wasted by alcohol, saying they are of no service to the Force.

Mr Kaweesi did not mention the number of police officers likely to be dismissed, but a police source said about 1,000 constables, corporals, sergeants and inspectors have been shortlisted for suspension or dismissal from the Force.

Gen Kayihura applauded the ICT officers who have made a website to help in tracking weapons, which are picked from the police armoury, to ensure weapon accountability and proper handling.