The outgoing Inspector General of Police John Okoth Martins Ochola has handed office after expiry of his contract.
Ochola was appointed as the IGP in March, 2018 replacing Gen Kale Kayihura.
On January 2, 2024, he made a service record of thirty-six years in the Uganda Police Force, having joined the Institution on the 2nd January 1988.
Speaking at the handover, Ochola noted that when he took over the steering of affairs of the Uganda Police Force, the task was professionalizing and Rebuilding the image of the Institution.
Ochola revealed that with support and guidance from the President, the force was able to register numerous achievements in policing as well as creating a general atmosphere of calmness, togetherness and a sense of belonging.
“The numerous achievements spelt out in my handover report and by the various Directorates, were made possible working with a wonderful team and dedicated officers, across all ranks, who gave their best in ensuring that the Institution succeeded in fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.
Ochola revealed that he wrote to the Minister of Internal Affairs/Chairman Police Authority requesting to conclude his tour of duty due to personal and domestic issues that required his personal attention.
“Today, I am delighted to be standing before you this day to give my stewardship report and handover leadership of this great Institution to the new Inspector General of Police.
First and foremost, allow me express my deep personal appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Commander in- Chief of the Armed Forces, for appointing and entrusting me with the leadership of this great Institution,” he said.
Born 1958, in Agumiti village, Mulanda sub-county, West Budama County, in Tororo District, Ochola attended Abweli Primary School, then Rock View Primary School and Kisoko Boys Primary School, where he sat his primary leaving examinations. He attended Namilyango College, where he obtained his high school diploma.
He studied at Makerere University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1983.
The following year, he obtained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice, from the Law Development Centre.
Within his 36 year service in the uganda Police Force, Ochola has served as the Inspector General of Police for six years, Deputy IGP, Director Special Duties, Director CID, Deputy Director CID, Commissioner Legal Department, Head complaints desk, Head Prosecution and OC Entebbe Aviation Security.