END OF AN ERA: Inside the Exit of Uganda’s Most Powerful Police Bosses

A quiet but significant shake-up is unfolding at Police Headquarters in Naguru after at least ten senior directors were ordered to hand over office following the expiry of their two-year contracts, The Investigator has established.While there has been no official announcement suggesting disciplinary action, highly placed police sources told me that the departures are part of a broader restructuring and rationalisation exercise aimed at paving the way for a new generation of commanders.”Their contracts expired and they cannot continue serving in those offices unless the President renews them,” a senior police source told me. “Some have already reached retirement age while others are simply awaiting guidance from the appointing authority.”Another source described the development as “one of the biggest leadership transitions in recent police history,” noting that nearly half of the force’s directorates could soon be under new leadership.

Among those who have handed over are AIGP Moses Kafeero Kabugo, AIGP Dr Hadijah Namutebi, AIGP Erasmus Twaruhukwa, AIGP Felix Bayramwisaki, Brig Gen Jesse Kamunanwire, AIGP David Wasswa Sengendo, AIGP Lawrence Niwabiine, AIGP John Nuwagira, AIGP Stephen Tanui and AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba. Sources insist the move should not be interpreted as a purge. “This is more of an institutional transition than punishment. Many of these officers have served for decades and reached the natural end of their contracts,” one insider explained.

The Woman Who Rose From Constable To AIGP

Among the most notable departures is AIGP Dr Hadijah Namutebi, one of the highest-ranking female officers in Uganda Police history. Her story is one of determination and persistence.Dr Namutebi joined the force as an ordinary police constable after graduating with a degree in Education. She started in the emergency response unit before steadily climbing through the ranks. Over the years, she earned a PhD and became a respected voice on police welfare, gender inclusion and sports development.

As Director of Welfare, Production and Sports, she championed officers’ welfare programmes, promoted women in leadership and strengthened sports initiatives within the force.”She leaves behind a very strong legacy in welfare and women empowerment,” one senior officer said. Colleagues describe her as approachable, hardworking and deeply committed to improving the lives of ordinary police officers.

The Legal Brain Behind Police Reforms

Another officer leaving office is AIGP Erasmus Twaruhukwa, a veteran policeman with more than three decades of service. Twaruhukwa joined the force in 1994 and built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable legal minds within the institution. Before becoming Director of Research, Planning and Development, he spent years heading Legal Services and Human Rights.Police sources say he played a major role in strengthening cooperation between police and the judiciary while pushing for evidence-based planning and policy development.”He was never a publicity-seeking officer but his fingerprints are on many of the reforms people see today,” a source familiar with police operations told me.His retirement also coincides with many officers from his 1994 intake approaching mandatory retirement age.

The General Who Came From The Army

Brig Gen Jesse Kamunanwire is another big name leaving the corridors of power. A decorated UPDF officer, Kamunanwire was deployed to the police in 2019 as part of efforts to strengthen management structures within the force.As Director of Human Resource Administration, he supervised recruitment exercises, personnel deployment and training programmes. Police insiders say he played a key role in professionalising human resource management and overseeing some of the force’s largest recruitment drives.”He brought military discipline and administrative experience into the police system,” one source observed.

The Educator Who Trained Thousands

AIGP Moses Kafeero Kabugo’s departure has also attracted attention. Widely regarded as one of the most educated officers in the force, Kafeero holds multiple degrees and professional qualifications from institutions across Africa, Europe and the United States. Since joining police in 2005, he served in several strategic positions including Kampala Metropolitan Commander, Commandant of Police Training School Kabalye and Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College at Bwebajja.Most recently, he served as Director of Human Resource Development and Training.”He shaped the careers of thousands of officers through training and mentorship,” a source said. His contribution to police education earned him numerous awards, including recognition from President Museveni for meritorious service.

Who Else Is Leaving?

The transition has also affected several other powerful directorates. AIGP Lawrence Niwabiine, who has been overseeing Traffic and Road Safety, has handed over office. AIGP David Wasswa Sengendo, who headed Counter-Terrorism, is also among those exiting.Others include AIGP John Nuwagira of the Field Force Unit, AIGP Stephen Tanui of Fire and Rescue Services, AIGP Felix Bayramwisaki who headed ICT, and AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba from Political Commissariat. Together, these officers controlled some of the most sensitive and influential departments within the force.

Waiting For Museveni’s Decision

The fate of the departing directors now rests with President Yoweri Museveni.Police sources say some officers could have their contracts renewed, while others may proceed into full retirement. “There is still a possibility that some could be reappointed depending on the needs of the institution and the decision of the Commander-in-Chief,” a source said.

For now, however, the officers have handed over their offices and are waiting.Their departure marks the end of an era for a generation of police leaders who oversaw critical aspects of Uganda’s security architecture for years.As new faces prepare to take charge of the various directorates, attention is now turning to who will replace them and what impact the transition will have on the future direction of the Uganda Police Force. For many within the force, one thing is clear: the changing of the guard has begun.

By Our Investigations Desk

Author Profile

Stephen Kasozi Muwambi: Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]