Former Inspector General of Police Gen. (Rtd) Kale Kayihura has spoken publicly about the loneliness and political isolation that often follow life after public office, revealing that many people who once depended on him distanced themselves after his exit from government service.
Kayihura made the remarks during a thanksgiving and swearing-in celebration held in Kampala for Rwampara East Member of Parliament Charles Ngabirano over the weekend, where he reflected on the changing nature of political friendships and loyalty once leaders leave positions of influence.
According to Kayihura, stepping away from state power dramatically altered the way some former associates related to him, including people he said had previously benefited from his support while he served in office.
He noted that after leaving public service, many individuals avoided him completely, behaving as though he had become untouchable. Despite that experience, he commended Ngabirano for maintaining close ties with him and regularly visiting him at his home in Kashagama.
Kayihura praised the legislator as a thoughtful and practical leader with ideas that extend beyond the interests of Rwampara District alone. He credited Ngabirano for supporting vulnerable communities in other parts of Uganda, particularly through his involvement in the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) programme under the Ministry of Local Government.
The retired police chief cited Kisoro District among areas that reportedly benefited after Ngabirano pushed for inclusion of poorer districts in the poverty eradication initiative. Kayihura argued that the MP had demonstrated leadership that goes beyond constituency politics and instead reflects national-minded representation.
During the event, Kayihura also dismissed suggestions that he has been sidelined or living in exile since leaving government. In a light-hearted response to comments made by Ngabirano, he clarified that he had simply transitioned into private business and production work.
He joked that he is now focused on producing “Katebe Yoghurt,” a brand named after Katebe village where it is manufactured, insisting that his life outside government should not be interpreted as political exile.
Ngabirano had earlier humorously referred to both himself and Kayihura as people who had experienced “exile” from public positions, referencing his own political comeback after losing the Rwampara East parliamentary seat in the 2021 elections before returning to Parliament in the current term.
Kayihura further reflected on his time in the police force, recalling his collaboration with former Police Director of Logistics Bangirana in promoting community policing initiatives in western Uganda. He said the effort was based on the belief that crime prevention could not be left to police officers alone without involving local communities.
According to Kayihura, Ngabirano personally financed some of the community policing activities in Mbarara and also supported the concept while serving in Parliament. He insisted that despite criticism from some quarters, the initiative planted important foundations for community security partnerships.
The former police boss also expressed gratitude to Ngabirano for standing with him during personal family functions, including his daughter’s giveaway ceremony, which he said the MP supported generously.
At the same gathering, Kayihura revealed concern over reports that Ngabirano was allegedly facing political hostility, saying he considered the legislator part of his family. He urged the MP to remain focused and also appealed to legislators to pursue patriotic leadership rather than personal interests.
Rwampara District Woman MP Anne Kansiime used the occasion to applaud Ngabirano’s contribution to coffee farming and development efforts in the district. She called for unity among political leaders and appealed for cooperation instead of rivalry in local politics.
Kansiime also pledged to strengthen coordination between leaders and residents while asking Ngabirano to continue mentoring her through his parliamentary experience.
In his remarks, Ngabirano revisited the controversy surrounding the NRM primaries, alleging that the internal elections were marred by irregularities and violence. He claimed that despite initially being declared winner by the NRM Electoral Commission chaired by Tanga Odoi, the results were later altered.
The MP further alleged that political violence during the primaries led to the shooting and damage of one of his vehicles, which he said remains unusable. However, he praised security personnel and voters in Rwampara for rejecting violence during the final election process.
Ngabirano explained that the overwhelming support and enthusiasm shown by voters after his victory inspired him to organise the thanksgiving and swearing-in event in Kampala as a way of celebrating with supporters and affirming that he had officially taken office.
He pledged to continue pursuing development programmes for Rwampara despite the political challenges he says still exist.
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