A group of Uganda Police Force officers who joined the institution in 2001 has marked 25 years of service, with former Inspector General of Police Gen. (Rtd) Katumba Wamala commending them for producing some of the Force’s most dependable and accomplished officers.
The 70 members of Cadet Intake 2001 celebrated their silver jubilee on Sunday at Skyz Hotel in Naguru, Kampala, marking a quarter century since they reported to the Police Training School in Kibuli on August 18, 2001. Katumba, who is now Minister for Public Service and was Inspector General of Police when the cadets joined the Force, presided over the celebrations.
“Thank you for not letting me down. You have produced some of the most reliable and useful officers in the Police Force,” Katumba told the former cadets. He urged the members to maintain the bond they have built over the years by regularly meeting, sharing experiences and supporting one another as they navigate professional and personal challenges.
As many members of the intake approach retirement, Katumba also encouraged them to cultivate a culture of saving and prepare financially for life after active service. “You are not growing any younger. Cultivate a saving culture from your earnings, make a commitment to save, prepare for retirement and continue to be role models to those you lead,” he advised.
The former Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, AIGP (Rtd) Grace Akullo, one of the members of the intake, said the transformation of the group from young cadets into senior commanders demonstrated the importance of discipline, hard work and resilience. “We stand today, 25 years later, not as cadets but as commanders, serving at different levels, including the highest strategic level of the Uganda Police Force. This milestone is a testament to discipline, hard work and resilience,” Akullo said.
The intake has produced officers who have served in various leadership, command, investigative, human rights, health, legal and strategic positions within the Police Force. Among its notable members was the late AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, who served as Director of Operations, Director of Human Resource Development, Commander of Kampala Metropolitan Police, Commandant of Police Training School Kabalye and Police Spokesperson. Other senior members include AIGP (Rtd) Grace Akullo, who served for 19 years in the Criminal Investigations Directorate, including 11 years as its director, and later served as Director, Interpol and International Relations.
The intake also produced AIGP Dr Elly Moses Byaruhanga, Director of Police Health Services; AIGP John Nuwagira and AIGP Fhadil Khali, who both served as commanders of the Field Force Unit; and the late AIGP Kataratambi Charles, who served as Director of Legal and Human Rights.
Other members have held senior positions in crime intelligence, human resource development, operations, research and planning, professional standards, human rights and legal services, police health services and sports. The intake’s contribution has also extended beyond the Police Force, with members including Hon. Semei Nsubuga, a Commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and Hon. Wilson Kajwengye-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
