Summary:

• Inspector General of Police John Martins Okoth Ochola is set to retire as his contract expires, with a ceremony scheduled for the handover of duties. Despite President Museveni’s wish to retain him, Ochola has opted to step down. His successor is awaited as police caution against lobbying for the position. Ochola, with 30 years of service, has a distinguished career in law enforcement.

As reported by The New Vision in today’s paper, The Black Examiner has learned that the tenure of John Martins Okoth Ochola, the Inspector General of Police, is drawing to a close with the expiration of his contract. Ochola assumed the role of police chief in March 2018, succeeding Gen Kale Kayihura.

Initially appointed for a three-year term, Ochola’s tenure was extended by President Museveni in March 2021 for another three years, which concludes on March 4.

Today, Ochola is set to formally hand over his duties at a ceremony held at the police headquarters in Naguru. The police leadership eagerly awaits President Museveni’s decision on Ochola’s successor.

While there was a desire from President Museveni to retain Ochola, sources indicate that Ochola himself has chosen to retire from the force.

Recent warnings from the police have cautioned senior security officers against lobbying for Ochola’s position. According to police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the selection of the Inspector General of Police is based on competence in leadership and administration, rather than political lobbying.

John Martins Okoth Ochola boasts a distinguished career in law enforcement, spanning 30 years. Born in 1958 in Agumiti village, Tororo District, Ochola attended various educational institutions including Abweli Primary School, Rock View Primary School, Kisoko Boys Primary School, and Namilyango College. He later pursued higher education at Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1983, followed by a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre in the subsequent year.