The President of Uganda, Gen. (RTD) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, has officially sanctioned an official burial for the late former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Okoth Ogola.
Ogola held the position from 1981 to 1985 during President Milton Obote’s second term and passed away on February 14, 2025.
Ogola lived to the age of 98.
Milly Babalanda, the Minister of Presidency, announced via her official X account, previously known as Twitter, that the National Organising Committee is coordinating with Ogola’s family to finalize the arrangements for a respectful farewell.
His burial is set to take place on February 23, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bula village, located in the Tororo district.
“Fellow Ugandans, I wish to inform you that H.E Gen. (Rtd) @KagutaMuseveni has granted an official burial to the deceased former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Okoth Ogola who served in the position between 1981-85, and passed on a few days ago. Accordingly, N.O.C is liasing with the family of the late to finalise arrangements for a dignified sendoff. Profound condolences to the family, in-laws, friends, the Police and security fraternity, the people of Bukedi Sub-Region and the nation at large. May the deceased IGP’s soul rest in eternal peace! BMB,” she wrote.
Numerous Ugandans regarded him as a dedicated and patriotic officer who committed himself to serving the nation.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, remarked, “If you didn’t know him, you wouldn’t realize he held a high-ranking position. At public events, he would often relinquish his seat for others and choose to stand. He was instrumental in assisting many Ugandans from diverse ethnic backgrounds to join the police force.”
Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, also expressed his condolences, highlighting Ogola’s enduring influence on both his home district of Tororo and the nation as a whole.
He stressed that the late remains a pillar in the history of the Japadhola.
In a related development, another former IGP Emeritus John Cossy Odomel passed away at the age of 75 on February 18, 2025, in India.
The current Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has confirmed the news of his passing.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Cossy Odomel, former Inspector General @PoliceUg, ( 1992-1998) a distinguished member of Uganda Police Force who dedicated many years of service and leadership to our organization. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time,” Byakagaba wrote through his X handle formerly Twitter.
He dedicated his tenure in office to elevating the professionalism of the Uganda Police Force, implementing reforms designed to boost discipline and operational effectiveness within the organization.
Even after his retirement from the police, he remained active in law enforcement as a member of the Police Authority, which is responsible for overseeing the police force.
In 2006, Odomel ran for a parliamentary seat in Pallisa but was unsuccessful in his bid.
In acknowledgment of his contributions to the police, he received the Exemplary Service Medal Class One in 2010.
Odomel was married to Mary Magdalene Aino Odomel, who sadly passed away in October 2024.
