Former Police Chief Says People Avoided Him After Leaving Office

Retired Gen. Kale Kayihura said many people stopped associating with him after he left his government position, even though they had previously received help from him. Speaking at a weekend event in Kampala marking the return of Rwampara East MP Dr Charles Ngabirano, Kayihura described how relationships change once someone is no longer in public office.

"When I left service, 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.

Kayihura thanked Ngabirano for staying in contact and visiting him at his home in Kashagama. He also credited Ngabirano with helping communities beyond Rwampara District, including securing support for poorer areas such as Kisoro through a national poverty reduction program.

Kayihura said Ngabirano used personal resources to back community policing efforts in Mbarara and supported the approach in parliament.

Kayihura dismissed reports that he lives in exile, stating he is now engaged in private business. He said he produces yoghurt under the brand name Katebe Yoghurt, named after the village where it is made. He recalled working with a former police logistics director from Rwampara on community policing projects and noted that police alone cannot fight crime without community involvement.

Rwampara District Woman MP Anne Kansiime also spoke at the event, praising Ngabirano's work on coffee farming and urging district leaders to cooperate for the benefit of residents.