John Cossy Odomel: A life of service, leadership

The sun set on a remarkable life on the morning of Tuesday, February 18. The former Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Cossy Odomel, breathed his last in India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

At 69, Odomel left behind a legacy etched in the annals of Uganda’s history, not just as a distinguished police officer, but as a devoted father, a visionary leader and a man who dedicated his life to the service of his nation.

Humble beginning

Born in April 1955 in the humble village of Kameke, Pallisa district, Odomel’s journey was one of resilience and determination.

His early education in Pallisa laid the foundation for a bright future. He excelled in his studies, earning a place at Lango College in the 1970s, where his aptitude for science subjects shone through. His academic prowess earned him a spot at Makerere University, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, graduating in 1979.

Odomel’s academic achievements were not just a testament to his intellect, but also to his unwavering work ethic. As a young man, he was driven by a desire to contribute to his nation, a trait that would define his career. In 1979, Odomel began his career as a government chemist.

However, it was his recruitment into the police force in 1980 that marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life.

Alongside 25 other graduates, including notable figures, such as Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi (security minister), Elizabeth Muwanga and Herbert Karugaba, Odomel joined the force at a critical juncture in Uganda’s history. The country was rebuilding after the fall of Idi Amin, and the police force was in dire need of reform.

After a brief stay at Naguru Police Training College, Odomel and his peers travelled to Tanzania’s Chuo Kuu Chaa Poliisi in Dar es Salaam for a nine-month training programme. Upon their return in October 1980, they were immediately thrust into the thick of things, overseeing the policing of the contentious 1980 general elections.

Odomel’s early postings showcased his versatility and commitment. He served in the communication room at Central Police Station in Kampala, a role that gave him a bird’s-eye view of the nation’s security landscape.

He later served as the second-in-command at Katwe Police Station and as the officer in charge of the Conference Centre before being appointed District Police Commander for Bushenyi and later Masaka.

Rising through the ranks

Odomel’s rise through the ranks was meteoric. In November 1983, he was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), where he honed his skills in law enforcement and leadership. His dedication to professional development saw him undertake a short course at the International Police Headquarters and later earn a diploma in law from the Uganda Law Development Centre.

By 1988, Odomel had been promoted to Deputy Regional Police Commander for the Central Region, a position he held for two years before being elevated to Regional Police Commander. His leadership skills and commitment to welfare earned him a reputation as a man who cared deeply for his subordinates. April 24, 1992 remains a historic date in Uganda’s policing history.

At just 37 years old, Odomel was appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) by President Yoweri Museveni, making him the youngest ever to hold the office.

Under Museveni’s administration, the Uganda Police Force has been led by eight Inspectors General of Police, each leaving their mark on the institution. The list includes Luke Ofungi, who served from 1985 to 1987, followed by David Psomgen (1988–1990) and Apollo Byekwaso (1990– 1992). He took the helm in 1992 and served until 1998.

He was succeeded by John Kisembo (1999–2001), who was later replaced by Gen. Katumba Wamala, who held the position from April 2001 to October 2005.

Gen. Kale Kayihura, one of the longest-serving IGPs, led the force from November 2005 to March 2018. The most recent IGP, Okoth Ochola, assumed office on March 4, 2018, continuing the legacy of leadership and reform within the police force. The Police fraternity also lost Boniface Eron Okoth Ogola, who served as IGP during President Milton Obote II’s regime (1981- 1986). He died on February 14 at Nakasero Hospital.

He was buried last week at Mbula in Tororo district.

A visionary leader

Odomel’s tenure as IGP was marked by bold reforms and a commitment to professionalism. He introduced strategic management practices, including annual work planning and crime reporting, which revolutionised the way the police force operated. He also prioritised training, sending officers to institutions like Bramshill Police Staff College in the UK and ensuring that they gained management skills both locally and abroad.

One of his most enduring legacies was the establishment of the Police Savings Association in 1992, which he chaired. Today, the association boasts assets worth billions of shillings and remains a cornerstone of financial security for police officers. Odomel was also a staunch advocate for welfare and cleanliness. As former Assistant Inspector General of Police Asan Kasingye recalled: “He emphasised barracks cleanliness and pre-primary schooling in police barracks. Almost every police barracks had a kindergarten and canteen under his leadership.”

Controversies

Despite his achievements, Odomel’s tenure was not without controversy.

His unflinching stance on corruption within the police force earned him admiration and enemies in equal measure. In 1997, he ordered the prosecution of police officers involved in a robbery on Rubaga Road, a decision that caused friction within the force.

When Chris Bakiza, who was then the CID director, failed to carry out Odomel’s directive, Odomel insisted that disciplinary action be taken against him. In a letter dated August 3, 1998, addressed to Odomel, Bakiza responded: “First, it sets the precedent that the office of the IGP has become the prosecution authority. Please, take the opportunity to refer to the relevant provisions of the Constitution.”

This disagreement sparked tension among senior police officers, who had once been colleagues in the same recruitment intake. Many believe this rift ultimately prompted President Museveni to establish a commission of inquiry into institutional corruption within the police force two years later. The fallout from this case led to a commission of inquiry into police corruption, headed by Justice Julia Ssebutinde. On January 1, 1999, Odomel was dismissed from his position as IGP and replaced by his deputy, John Kisembo.

The decision came amid the ongoing commission of inquiry into corruption within the police force. During the hearings, Odomel faced allegations of impropriety from former internal affairs minister, Tom Butime (now tourism minister). Butime accused Odomel of engaging in insider trading through his companies, Maje Ext Ltd and Aino General Merchandise Ltd, which supplied food to the police force between 1996 and 1997.

Odomel admitted to the commission that he had indeed supplied food to the Police, but defended his actions, stating that the Police leadership had permitted officers to supply goods to the force as early as 1994. This policy, he argued, was intended to help officers earn extra income. However, the commission found his explanation insufficient.

Two years later, the commission’s final report criticised Odomel for lacking assertiveness and for blatantly disregarding government accounting laws. These findings further tarnished his reputation and marked a sombre end to his otherwise distinguished career in the police force.

Odomel was laid to rest on Saturday, March 1, at Amusiat, Pallisa district.

Life after Police

In the 2001 parliamentary elections, Odomel contested for the Pallisa county constituency seat, but was defeated by Louis Opange, who garnered 23,143 votes against Odomel’s 19,090.

Unwilling to accept the outcome, Odomel challenged the results in court, filing a petition against Opange and the Electoral Commission.

However, his efforts were in vain, as the court dismissed his petition, ruling that he had failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his claims. This marked the end of his brief foray into elective politics, though his commitment to public service remained undiminished.

Odomel’s personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow. In 1986, he married Mary Magdalene Odomel, with whom he shared a deep and enduring love. Her passing in September last year was a profound loss, one that weighed heavily on him in his final months. Together, they raised seven children, who carry forward his legacy of integrity, service and compassion