Retired Major General Kahinda Otafiire has found himself at the center of a heated public debate after issuing a controversial warning to the newly appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu.The outspoken veteran politician, who recently left the powerful Internal Affairs docket, stunned many Ugandans when he publicly advised his successor not to tolerate alleged extrajudicial killings by rogue security operatives.
In remarks that quickly spread across social media, Otafiire told Kamuntu:”Hon. Professor Kamuntu, I forgot to tell you, please don’t tolerate any form of extrajudicial killings, especially by some few rogue officers in the Crime Intelligence Directorate.”
What may have been intended as advice to his successor immediately ignited a political firestorm, with Ugandans sharply divided over the statement.
While some praised Otafiire for speaking out against alleged abuses within security agencies, others questioned why he was raising the issue now after serving for years as the minister responsible for internal security affairs.The statement quickly became one of the most discussed political topics online, attracting hundreds of comments and reactions from supporters, critics and political observers.
QUESTIONS FOR THE OUTGOING MINISTER
Many social media users wondered why Otafiire appeared to be passing responsibility to his successor instead of addressing the matter during his own tenure.Political commentator SS Sebunya accused the former minister of engaging in political battles rather than directly addressing the concerns.
“Don’t you have his contact?” Sebunya asked. “You’re fighting political wars and blackmailing the Directorate of Crime Intelligence.”Others questioned whether Kamuntu would be able to succeed where Otafiire himself appeared to have struggled. Patriot Baggi wrote:
“If you who is more close to power failed on that, what should we really expect from Mzee Kamuntu surely?”The sentiment was echoed by several commentators who argued that if the minister in charge could not rein in alleged rogue officers, then his successor would face an equally difficult challenge.
Another social media user, Katonny, posed a question that was repeated by many critics.”I’m curious, if you said some police officers weren’t listening to you, a whole minister, powerful as you are, who will they listen to?”
The question touched on long-standing concerns about command structures within Uganda’s security establishment and the extent of ministerial oversight over various security agencies.
OTAFIIRE’S HISTORY OF DISAGREEMENTS
Otafiire’s comments did not emerge in a vacuum. The veteran bush war fighter has previously spoken publicly about his frustrations with some security officials whom he accused of operating without informing his office.On several occasions while serving as Internal Affairs Minister, he complained that certain security operations were conducted without his knowledge, leaving him to explain actions he neither authorized nor supervised.
One of his most memorable admissions came during a parliamentary session when legislators demanded answers over arrests of opposition supporters by heavily armed men believed to be security operatives.At the time, Otafiire expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of communication from some officers.
“Most of these guys don’t report to me. They work quietly and later expect me to defend them,” he said.Those remarks were widely interpreted as evidence of tensions between the minister and some elements within the security establishment.
SUPPORTERS PRAISE HIS HONESTY
Despite the criticism, not everyone condemned Otafiire’s statement.Several Ugandans applauded him for openly acknowledging concerns that have frequently been raised by human rights activists and opposition politicians.
Frank Wuyoaidha was among those who praised the retired general.”Kudos General. I like the admission of a fault and advice to your successor. This depicts that there is serious work to do and openness is a must, not coiling the tail as if nothing is happening in your docket,” he wrote.Others argued that Otafiire deserved credit for publicly addressing an issue many officials often avoid discussing.
Hon. Wilber Tumutegyereize also backed the call, saying security agencies earn public trust when they operate within the law.”I stand with this call. Uganda’s security agencies are strong when they operate within the law. Extrajudicial killings by any rogue officers erode public trust and dishonour the work of good officers,” he noted.
For supporters, Otafiire’s statement represented a rare example of a senior government official publicly acknowledging concerns that continue to generate national debate.
ACCUSATIONS OF POLITICAL SCORES
However, some critics suggested the comments were motivated by personal disagreements rather than genuine concern.Several online commentators linked the remarks to Otafiire’s alleged disagreements with senior police officers, particularly officials associated with the Crime Intelligence Directorate.
Akankunda Linet claimed the former minister’s disagreements stemmed from political differences and disputes involving senior security figures.Others accused him of targeting specific officers rather than addressing broader institutional issues.
Okoth Robert argued that Otafiire’s criticism was driven by personal grievances.
“Your fights are personal. Stop blackmailing the Directorate of Crime Intelligence,” he wrote.Josephine Adv similarly questioned the timing and motive behind the remarks.”If there were indeed extrajudicial killings as you claim, wouldn’t the President have spoken out against them? This is a personal vendetta,” she commented.
Such reactions highlighted the highly polarized nature of the debate surrounding security matters in Uganda.
KAMUNTU’S BIG TEST
As the controversy rages, attention is increasingly turning to Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, who now assumes responsibility for the Internal Affairs Ministry.The veteran politician inherits a docket that oversees key security institutions and often finds itself at the center of public scrutiny.
Whether Kamuntu will directly address Otafiire’s concerns remains to be seen.For now, the outgoing minister’s comments have reopened difficult questions about accountability, oversight and the relationship between political leaders and security agencies.
Some Ugandans view the statement as a courageous warning from a departing minister who no longer feels constrained by office.Others see it as an admission that serious concerns existed under his watch and were never adequately addressed.
What is certain is that Otafiire’s final advice to his successor has sparked one of the most intense online debates following the recent cabinet reshuffle.Instead of quietly exiting office, the veteran general has once again done what he is famous for—speaking his mind and leaving the country talking long after the words were spoken.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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