LYANTONDE, Uganda — Former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura has indicated his willingness to return to service, stating in an interview with the New Vision newspaper that as a “cadre of the struggle,” he considers himself available for deployment if called upon.
Kayihura, who led the Uganda Police Force for nearly 13 years before being dismissed in 2018, made the remarks during a wide-ranging conversation at his rural home in Lyantonde district.
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When asked by the New Vision if his belonging to the reserve force meant he was available for deployment, Kayihura reportedly said he was “beyond being on the reserve force, but I can be assigned anything and if I am not assigned, I assign myself (laughs).”
He elaborated on this point, emphasizing his long-standing commitment. “We, cadres of the struggle, ours is a lifetime commitment. So, it was in that context that I said I can be assigned anything,” Kayihura told the newspaper.
While he did not specify any particular role or sector, his comments suggest a readiness to serve in a capacity deemed appropriate by the government. This declaration comes after a period of relative silence following his dismissal and subsequent legal proceedings, where he faced and was ultimately cleared of charges in the military court.
In the same New Vision interview, Kayihura also reflected on his past service and his current life.
He defended his tenure as IGP, addressed controversies surrounding the Nalufenya detention facility, and downplayed the impact of international sanctions against him.
His statement about potential redeployment adds a new dimension to his post-police profile, hinting at a possible return to public service in some form. Whether such a redeployment will occur remains to be seen, but Kayihura’s words signal his continued allegiance and availability.
It is worth noting that Kayihura’s time as IGP was marked by both significant efforts to modernize the police force and persistent accusations of human rights abuses and partisan policing. His potential return to a government role could therefore elicit varied reactions.
The New Vision, a state-owned publication, provided the platform for Kayihura’s remarks, suggesting a level of public discourse sanctioned by the government.
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