Former Inspector General of Police, retired Gen. Kale Kayihura, has opened up about how people’s attitudes changed after he left public office, saying many individuals who once benefited from his support no longer stay in touch.
Kayihura made the remarks during a swearing-in after-party hosted for Rwampara East MP Dr Charles Ngabirano in Kampala over the weekend.
Reflecting on his experience after leaving office, Kayihura said public officials often lose close connections once they are no longer in positions of power.
“When I left service, you know when you leave public service, nobody wants to come closer to you, even those you used to help. All of them run away from you as if you are suffering from leprosy,” Kayihura said.
Despite his experience, the former police chief praised Dr Ngabirano for maintaining contact with him and regularly visiting him at his home in Kashagama.
Kayihura also addressed reports claiming that he is living in exile following his retirement from public service.
He dismissed the claims and explained that he simply transitioned from government work into private business activities.
Kayihura, who holds the distinction of being Uganda’s longest-serving IGP with a tenure spanning 13 years, was dismissed from his post by President Museveni in March 2018.
Following his dismissal, he was subsequently arrested. Before securing his release on bail, Kayihura was charged with failure to safeguard war materials and of being involved in aiding and abetting the abduction of Rwandese refugees.
Kayihura retreated to a private and subdued life.
