By Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Sam Omala, once a formidable figure in Uganda’s law enforcement, passed away on April 28, 2025, at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He succumbed to cancer and kidney complications after a prolonged illness.
Omala was a family man, survived by his 16 children and 39 grandchildren.
Omala’s career was marked by both commendation and controversy, particularly for his role in quelling opposition protests.
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Born in 1960, Omala joined the Uganda Police Force in the 1980s, rising through the ranks to become Kampala North Police Operations Commander. He gained national attention during the 2011 “Walk-to-Work” protests led by opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, where his stern approach earned him both respect and criticism. In a 2021 interview, Omala reflected on his role, stating, “I slept at Besigye’s gate for seven days during ‘Walk to Work’ protests but none of that was remembered”.
Despite his dedication, Omala felt his efforts were underappreciated. He recounted rejecting a 200 million shilling bribe from opposition figures during the protests, a decision he believed went unnoticed by his superiors. “Maybe he [Kayihura] did not want to build my name,” Omala lamented, referring to then-Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura. “We saved this government but it has not appreciated us” Omala once said
In 2018, Omala stood as a surety for embattled former Buyende District Police Commander Muhammad Kirumira, who was facing charges of extortion, torture, and corruption. Omala, who had mentored Kirumira from the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police, stated, “I have known Kirumira for a very long time because I worked with him in Kampala for many years when he was an AIP. He was a disciplined officer and I know he will abide by the bail conditions”
After retiring from the police force in 2020 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, Omala led a relatively quiet life. In 2023, he returned to public service as Deputy CEO of Operations at Arrow Security Systems Limited, a private security firm owned by Captain Mike Mukula.
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In his final days, Omala sought forgiveness from those he may have wronged during his tenure. His son, Mutukuvu Devine Omala, conveyed his father’s heartfelt plea: “He wants anyone he wronged to forgive him. It is his sincere wish”.
The Uganda Police Force has expressed its condolences to Omala’s family, with Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma describing him as “an astute and decisive officer, very professional and dedicated.” Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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