Gen. Kale Kayihura Says He’s Ready to Return to Government Service

Former Police Chief General Kale Kayihura has said he is ready to serve again if the Ugandan government needs him. In a recent interview with New Vision, Kayihura said he is still committed to the country and sees his role in public service as a lifelong duty.

Speaking from his home in Lyantonde District, Kayihura described himself as a “cadre of the struggle,” and added, “I can be assigned anything—and even if not, I assign myself,” he said jokingly.

Kayihura was the head of the Uganda Police Force for almost 13 years before being removed from the position in 2018. Since then, he has mostly stayed out of the public eye, especially after facing military court charges, which were later dropped.

In the interview, he reflected on his past work as Inspector General of Police (IGP). He defended his leadership, addressed the controversy around the Nalufenya detention center, and dismissed the impact of international sanctions placed on him.

Although he didn’t mention any specific job or role he wants, his comments make it clear that he is open to serving the government again in any way they see fit. His message hints that he is ready for action, should the government call on him.

The remarks come at a time when Kayihura has been relatively silent, and they might spark mixed opinions because his time as police chief was both praised for modernization efforts and criticized over human rights concerns and political bias in policing.

The fact that these comments were published by New Vision, a government-owned newspaper, shows that the discussion may have some level of official backing or approval.

Kayihura’s willingness to return to public life shows he still sees himself as part of Uganda’s political and security system—and he wants the country to know he’s still available.