Rtd General Kale Kayihura’s emotional outburst at the requiem mass for former Inspector General of Police (IGP) John Cossy Odomel has brought to the fore the complex and often sensitive issue of how societies treat their former leaders, especially those who have served in sensitive positions like the police force.
Kayihura’s feelings of isolation and undervaluation are understandable, given his long and storied career in the Uganda Police Force, which spanned over three decades and saw him rise to the position of IGP. His dismissal from the position in 2018 and subsequent replacement by Maj Gen Okoth Ochola likely marked a significant turning point in his life and career.
The fact that Kayihura now learns about developments within the police force through online news sources, just like an ordinary citizen, must be particularly galling for someone who once wielded significant power and influence within the organization. His question, “What did I do wrong? A former IGP like myself! Am I of no value?” is a poignant expression of the hurt and confusion he feels.
Kayihura’s situation also raises broader questions about how societies treat their former leaders, especially those who have served in sensitive positions. Is it enough to simply discard them once they are no longer in power, or do we have a responsibility to recognize their contributions and provide them with a sense of dignity and purpose in their post-service lives?
In Kayihura’s case, it’s clear that he feels a deep sense of connection to the Uganda Police Force and the work that it does. His desire to be recognized and valued by the organization he once led is understandable, and it’s something that the current leadership of the police force might do well to consider.
