The Appointments Committee of Parliament has approved Mr. Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Mr. James Ochaya as his deputy.
Despite opposition from Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the majority of the 25-member committee endorsed the appointments.
Mr. Ssenyonyi had expressed concerns over the candidates, citing their roles in the police’s recent brutality against National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and the blocking of party mobilization activities, most recently in Kamuli. He questioned their plans to address police welfare issues and criticized the police for selectively enforcing the law.
“I asked these people what plan they have as leaders to improve the welfare of the police force because their conditions of living are deplorable,” Mr. Ssenyonyi stated.
He also highlighted the inconsistent enforcement of regulations, pointing out that certain individuals have been allowed to hold processions without police interference, unlike NUP activities.
Some committee members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the new police leadership pledged to address these issues, particularly the strained relationship between the police and the opposition.
However, Mr. Ssenyonyi remains skeptical, stating that he wants to see tangible actions before he can trust their promises.
Mr. Byakagaba and Mr. Ochaya, who were vetted on May 23, 2024, have yet to address the media but have promised to do so soon. The decision of the vetting committee will now be forwarded to the President for final approval.
The appointments come amid heightened tensions, as the NUP continues its mobilization tour, which has already seen confrontations between police and party supporters in Kamuli District.
Writing on her X handle, Ms. Anita Among stated, “I chaired the Appointments Committee of Parliament as it vetted the presidential nominees for the positions of Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of Police. As per our rules, the committee’s decision will be transmitted to the appointing authority [President].”
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