By The former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura, has expressed feelings of exclusion from the Uganda Police Force, stating that he is not invited to its official functions. He made these remarks during a requiem mass for the late John Cossy Odomel, another former IGP, at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish in Ntinda.
Gen. Kayihura contrasted his current situation with that of the deceased, noting that Odomel had been re-engaged by the Force before his passing.
“Unlike myself, he had been re-engaged back into service. I now live in the village. I only learn about events through online news,” Gen. Kayihura said. “Since I am never invited to your functions, I think I should complain. What did I do? A whole former IGP! Do I have nothing to offer?” he wondered.
During his remarks, Gen. Kayihura also revealed that he had been unaware of the passing of Odomel’s wife five months prior. Reflecting on Odomel’s legacy, he described him as a physically active and dedicated individual.
Gen. Kayihura, who was removed from his position as IGP in March 2018, also used the platform to urge the current police leadership to complete the cancer diagnostic center he initiated in Kololo in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in 2013/2014. He underscored the critical need for early cancer detection, citing a medical expert’s concern that many Ugandan patients only seek treatment in India when their conditions are at advanced stages.
Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who served as the chief mourner, commended Odomel for his humility and ability to connect with people, despite his high-ranking position in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Odomel’s son, Emmanuel Okwaja, disclosed that his father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and had been receiving treatment in India. He explained that the disease had progressed significantly, and the most recent chemotherapy sessions had become too physically demanding for him.
Odomel will be laid to rest in Kameke Village, Pallisa District. He is survived by seven children and 13 grandchildren.
Current Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba acknowledged the moving tributes and expressed gratitude to all those who supported the Odomel family and the police force during this difficult time.
