Former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura has defended his leadership, stating that his critics’ claims were unfounded and that he was simply doing his job of maintaining law and order during a very difficult time.
Kale Kayihura led the police force from 2005 to 2018, before being succeeded by his deputy, Martin Okoth-Ochola. During his tenure, he faced widespread criticism for being partisan, particularly during election periods, and for human rights abuses, as well as allegations of collaborating with and creating criminal groups.
At the 4th Benjamin William Mkapa memorial lecture in Kampala, Kale Kayihura acknowledged that many people have spoken about his leadership and written about alleged human rights abuses by the police during his tenure, noting that some of these claims are unfounded.
The Benjamin Mkapa Memorial Lecture, organized by Cavendish University in Uganda, was held under the theme ‘Political Pluralism, Democracy, and Social Integration in East Africa,’ in honor of Mkapa, who served as Tanzania’s third president from 1995 to 2005 and passed away in 2020.
In a lighthearted moment, Kayihura brought the audience to laughter at the memorial lecture, attended by academicians, dignitaries, and university students, as he humorously described his former role as one of the toughest jobs anyone could ever have.
Kayihura noted that many critics, including Godber Tumushabe, Director of the Greater Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies and lecturer at Makerere University, who was a panelist, blamed him for enforcing the police’s law-and-order role, without regard for his job description.
“People like Godber should be IGP before they die, so they can see how difficult the job is,” Kayihura said.”Unfortunately, it was hard for me to balance everything, but I have apologized for any shortcomings. When I handed over to my successor, I acknowledged that I may have stepped on some toes.”Kayihura said.
On celebrating Mkapa, Kayihura urged Ugandans to remember the sacrifices made by the people of Tanzania under Julius Nyerere’s leadership in liberating Uganda in 1979, when they helped remove Idi Amin’s regime.
However, on a more personal note, Kayihura reflected that many so-called friends who had been eager to associate with him while he was in office had since stopped reaching out, suggesting that they were more interested in the benefits of his position than in genuine friendship.
Several dignitaries paid tribute to the late Benjamin William Mkapa, with Godber Tumushabe describing Mkapa’s leadership as exceptional. Tumushabe noted that Mkapa was a peace-loving president who practiced democracy and advocated for it throughout his tenure.
“One of the exceptional qualities that defines Mkapa’s leadership is that he served only two terms and handed over power, which is remarkable on this continent,” Tumushabe said.
He added, “Many leaders, including ours here, have amended constitutions to extend their terms. That’s why Mkapa is revered by many, and his post-presidency work in advocating for peace on the continent is truly commendable.” Tumushabe said.
Tumushabe also noted that transformative leaders like Mkapa are scarce on the African continent, where many leaders prioritize personal interests over democratic values and public service, adopting a transactional approach to leadership.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, the chief guest, described the late President Benjamin Mkapa as a unifying figure who fostered greater unity and cooperation within the East African Community.
Dr. Olive Sabiiti, Vice Chancellor of Cavendish University, noted that the Benjamin Mkapa memorial lecture series reflects the institution’s commitment to inspiring students to emulate the leadership legacy of great African figures who have shaped the continent’s progress.
“We’re proud to host the 4th Benjamin Mkapa Memorial Lecture, themed ‘Political Pluralism, Democracy, and Social Integration in East Africa’,” Sabiiti said.
“This tradition yields valuable insights from esteemed panelists and pays tribute to the power of ideas, leadership, and education in shaping society,” Sabiiti said.
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