Former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura has said many people abandoned him after he left public service, despite previously benefiting from his support during his tenure as police chief.
Speaking at a swearing-in after-party for Charles Ngabirano in Kampala over the weekend, the retired general reflected on the realities faced by former public officials once they leave positions of power and influence.
“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.
The former police boss, who served as Uganda’s IGP for more than a decade, appeared to speak candidly about shifting political loyalties and changing personal relationships after leaving office.
Kayihura was once considered one of the most powerful security figures in Uganda, playing a central role in policing, internal security operations, and political mobilization during his time at the helm of the Uganda Police Force.
However, following his departure from office in 2018, he faced a dramatic fall from influence, including arrest, military investigations, and accusations related to unlawful repatriations and alleged security misconduct, although some of the matters have remained unresolved in court.
His remarks have since sparked discussion among political observers and social media users, many interpreting them as a reflection on the often transactional nature of relationships built around public office and state power.
The comments also come at a time when several senior political and security figures in Uganda are navigating changing alliances and power shifts following the transition into the country’s 12th Parliament and recent government reorganizations.
