Odomel laid to rest in Pallisa as Museveni salutes ex-IGP

___________________

President Yoweri Museveni paid tribute to John Cossy Odomel on Saturday as the former Ugandan Police chief was laid to rest in Pallisa district.

Odomel, who served as Inspector General of Police (IGP) from 1992 until 1999, died of cancer on February 18 in India.

He was 69.

(VPPU)

Museveni, represented by Vice-President Jessica Alupo at Saturday's burial ceremony in Asiatic village, paid tribute to the fallen ex-Police boss.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo. (VPPU)

He spoke of Odomel's contribution towards achieving peace and stability in Uganda at a time when all pillars of the state had collapsed.

In his eulogy read by Alupo, Museveni told mourners that in the 1990s, he insisted on recruiting individuals who displayed a high level of integrity, patriotism and competence. Odomel was suited to these criteria.

"This is why I appointed him to head the Police in 1992."

The President hailed Odomel for overseeing the task of restructuring and transforming the Police, a move which helped restore public confidence in the capacity of the Police to enforce law and order in communities.

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

He emphasized that the NRM reoriented the state structures to start serving the people’s interests, adding that without peace and stability, it is not possible to achieve development and social economic transformation.

Museveni reminded mourners that by 1986, all the pillars of the state had collapsed, and the small army that existed at the time was terrorizing the population instead of protecting them and safeguarding their property.

"The Police Force was incapable of maintaining law and order; and the civil service was corrupt and incompetent. This terrible situation was on account of leaders exploiting the politics of identity by promoting the sectarianism of tribe, religion, and gender," he said. 

Museveni praised Odomel for exhibiting good co-operation with the public as an important ingredient in law enforcement. 

He commiserated with the bereaved family and prayed that God grants them courage and fortitude to endure their loss.

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

'Great legacy'

Deputy IGP James Ochaya told mourners that as the Police fraternity, they have been shaken by the deaths of two former IGPs in a space of one week.

Odomel died four days after the death of former IGP Okoth Ogola, who served as Police chief from 1981 until 1986.

"These are great leaders and advisors we have lost," said Ochaya and asked the Church to pray for the Uganda Police Force.

Ochaya, who represented IGP Abbas Byakagaba, said Odomel was a great man and highly professional.

"He was a distinguished law enforcement officer whose contribution to the country has left a great legacy, which we shall continue to emulate as a Police Force," he said.

The Paramount Chief of Iteso, Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, thanked President Museveni for granting Odomel an official burial and also praised the Police for their work.

Capt. Mike Mukula, the NRM vice-chairman for eastern region, described Odomel as a dedicated law enforcement officer whose life was characterized by hard work and patriotism.

Mukula used the same platform to call for unity amongst the Ateker people as Uganda gears up for the general elections.

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

Who was Odomel?

Odomel was born in April 1955 in Kameke village in Pallisa district.

He studied at Lango College, before joining Makerere University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1979.

He joined the Uganda Police Force in 1980 as part of a graduate recruitment initiative and rose through the ranks, serving in various roles, including District Police Commander in Bushenyi and Masaka.

On April 24, 1992, at the age of 37, he was appointed Inspector General of Police, a position he held until January 1, 1999.

After leaving the Police, he contested for the Pallisa County parliamentary seat in 2001 but was unsuccessful.

He later served on the Uganda Police Force Authority.

Odomel was married to Mary Magdalene Aino Odomel, who passed away in October 2024.

He is survived by seven children. 

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

(VPPU)

(VPPU)