Following the conclusion of his contract, John Okoth Martins Ochola, the departing Inspector General of Police, has assumed office.
In March of 2018, Ochola was named IGP, taking Gen. Kale Kayihura’s place.
Having joined the Uganda Police Force on January 2, 1988, he completed thirty-six years of service on January 2, 2024.
During the transfer, Ochola stated that the goal he had set for himself upon taking over the Uganda Police Force’s management was to restore the institution’s reputation and professionalize it.
According to Ochola, the force was able to achieve a great deal in terms of policing and fostering a sense of unity, serenity, and belonging thanks to the President’s backing and direction.
He stated, “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, allowed me to achieve the numerous achievements spelled out in my handover report and by the various Directorates.”
Ochola disclosed that he requested in writing to end his tour of duty because he had personal and family concerns that needed his attention, addressed to the Minister of Internal Affairs/Chairman Police Authority.
It brings me great pleasure to appear in front of you today to present my stewardship report and transfer leadership of this magnificent institution to the newly appointed Inspector General of Police.
First and foremost, let me to convey my sincere gratitude and admiration to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, for giving me this wonderful institution’s leadership,” he said.
Ochola, who was born in 1958 in the Tororo District’s Agumiti village, Mulanda sub-county, West Budama County, attended Abweli Primary School before moving on to Rock View Primary School and Kisoko Boys Primary School, where he took his primary leaving exams. He completed his high school education at Namilyango College.
He completed his studies at Makerere University in 1983, with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
He graduated from the Law Development Center with a postgraduate diploma in legal practice the following year.
In his 36 years in the Uganda Police Force, Ochola has held the positions of Commissioner of Legal Affairs, Deputy IGP, Director Special Duties, Director CID, Head of the Prosecution, Head of the Complaints Desk, and OC Entebbe Aviation Security. He also served as the Inspector General of Police for six years.
