MPs approve Kayihura’s fourth term as police chief

Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura (C) shares a light moment with the Consul general of Djibouti to Uganda, Mr Silas Majambere (R), and AIGP Lemmy Twinomugisha at Parliament after he was vetted yesterday. PHOTO BY Geoffrey Sseruyange

What you need to know:

Few minutes after he walked out of the House Appointments Committee, MPs are reported to have unanimously agreed to approve his fourth term, making him the longest serving police chief

Parliament.
The Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, donned in a navy blue suit, looked buoyant as he told journalists how he had answered all the questions MPs put to him as he sought to fend off accusations of bias during his re-appointment hearing yesterday.

Gen Kayihura also scoffed at those who say they are tired of his leadership as “criminals, rapists, thugs and murderers”.
Few minutes after he walked out of the House Appointments Committee, MPs are reported to have unanimously agreed to approve his fourth term, making him the longest serving police chief.

MPs who attended the closed-door vetting chaired by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga told Daily Monitor that Gen Kayihura endured three hours of questioning about the spate of unexplained murders, police brutality, poor accommodation, militarisation of the Force and allegations that he is involved in partisan politics.

“There were a few concerns here and there but when we sat in our in-house meeting, all members voted for his fourth term and only asked him to improve. There was consensus because this time Kayihura impressed all members, including those from the Opposition,” one source said.

In an October 13 letter titled “Renewal of Local Appointment of Gen Kale Kayihura as Inspector General of Police,” President Museveni wrote to the Speaker, citing the recommendation of the Uganda Police Authority.

The President told the Speaker he had also approved the recommendation of the UPA and cited Article 213 of the Constitution that requires Parliamentary approval. He attached Gen Kayihura’s CV.

Gen Kayihura, 58, is said to have apologised for statements he has made in the past that have been deemed partisan and promised to investigate and stop the murders in the country, streamline police recruitment and promotions.

“I am not partisan … I deal with all Ugandans without discrimination. In fact, many Opposition politicians are my friends. Let those who say that I am partisan table the evidence. As police, we are not the Electoral Commission, we are not displaying officers, our job is to keep law and order and we have done our part to the best of my ability,” he said.

Gen Kayihura said The Observer newspaper quoted him out of context when the paper claimed that he made “partisan remarks” during a lecture at Makerere University two weeks ago.
The newspaper quoted the general saying President Museveni should not leave power.

Yesterday, he said The Observer distorted what he said about President Museveni, saying that he was only referring to those who claim that “the old people are useless” which is improper.

Key issues
Responding to reports that some Ugandans are tired of his leadership, Gen Kayihura said: “Those who are tired of me are the criminals, the rapists and the murders. I have given police teeth (effective in ensuring law and order, protecting peoples’ property and fighting crime). We have fought terrorism.”

He promised to focus on domestic violence, defilement, indiscipline of the traffic police and strengthening station management.