Outgoing Internal Affairs Minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire has criticised sections of the Uganda Police Force, accusing some officers of ignoring his directives during his tenure.
Gen Otafiire made the remarks on Thursday during a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
He officially handed over office to Prof Ephraim Kamuntu after his appointment as Minister of Water and Environment.
“I have issues with them, the police. Some of them were not listening. You tell them, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do this,’ and later you hear they have gone ahead and done exactly that,” Otafiire said.
The function was attended by ministry technical staff, senior government officials and security leaders.
Otafiire says police frustrated his efforts
Gen Otafiire said the Police Force gave him some of the biggest challenges during his time at the ministry.
The veteran politician and former bush war fighter said some officers frustrated efforts to guide decisions within the force.
He also accused some officers of withholding information from the ministry.
“You remember, I would call them here and ask, ‘Gentlemen, what happened?’ At one point, they denied me information. What they did not know is that I am an intelligence officer. Everything that was happening, I knew. The difference is that I kept quiet,” he said.
His remarks drew laughter from some members of the audience.
Otafiire said he often chose patience instead of confrontation.
“If you want people to hang themselves, give them enough ropes. I knew what was happening and I kept quiet. I allowed events to unfold,” he said.
Immigration officials praised
The outgoing minister contrasted his experience with police with other agencies under the ministry.
He praised the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and the Uganda Prisons Service for their performance.
Otafiire strongly defended the current leadership at the Immigration Directorate. He credited senior officials for reforms that improved the institution.
He said such officers should be retained because they understand the department’s history and systems.
“Kambere participated in the transformation of the department. They have institutional memory and are responsible officers. When you bring in new people, it takes time for them to learn the system,” he said.
Otafiire said he had advised against replacing some immigration officers with personnel transferred from the military.
He argued that continuity was important to protect gains made in service delivery.
“During that period, we could easily slip back to what the department used to be. Since they grew within the department and witnessed the transformation, they are best suited to continue with the work,” he said.
Prisons service earns commendation
Gen Otafiire also commended the Uganda Prisons Service.
He described it as one of the most stable institutions under his supervision.
“I have no problems with prisons. They have been doing very well. It is the department that has given me the least worry and therefore required the least interference from me,” he said.
Throughout his speech, Otafiire said he preferred to let institutions and technical officers perform their duties.
“My style of leadership has always been simple: do your work. I don’t want to do anybody’s work,” he emphasised.
Kamuntu urged to trust ministry team
Addressing Prof Kamuntu, Otafiire expressed confidence in the ministry’s technocrats and senior officials.
He said the team would support the new minister and ensure continuity.
“Professor, they will help you. I am comfortable with the team here. Some people may be victims of circumstances, but over time things will sort themselves out,” he said.
He also urged leaders to practise patience and strategic thinking.
Otafiire compared effective leadership to the hunting style of a leopard.
“Learn to hunt like a leopard, not a lion. When you go around announcing that you are a lion, everyone prepares for you. A leopard moves quietly. People do not see it coming. That has always been my style of leadership,” he said.
Otafiire leaves the Ministry of Internal Affairs after overseeing agencies including the Uganda Police Force, Immigration Directorate, Uganda Prisons Service and the National Identification and Registration Authority.
Prof Kamuntu takes over a ministry responsible for immigration management, internal security coordination, citizenship administration and prison services.
Officials and ministry staff paid tribute to Otafiire’s tenure and welcomed Prof Kamuntu to his new role.