Former IGP Odomel’s body returned to Uganda

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The body of former Inspector General of Police John Cossy Odomel has been repatriated to Uganda.

The former police boss who led the Uganda Police Force from 1992 to 1998, passed away on February 18, 2025, in India.

The current IGP Abbas Byakagaba said Odomel was a distinguished member of Uganda Police Force who dedicated many years of service to the organisation.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time,” he said.

Odomel's death comes four days after that of former IGP Boniface Eron Okoth Ogola, who passed away at the age of 85. Ogola, who served at the helm of the Police Force from 1981 to 1985, breathed his last on Friday (February 14) at Nakasero Hospital.

Odomel died five months after losing his wife, Mary Magdalene Odomel.

The Police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that President Yoweri Museveni granted the former IGP, Odomel an official burial.

An official burial is granted by the President to persons with extraordinary performance and goverment meets all the costs incurred during the burial process. The deceased is also accorded a gun salute.

Odomel was appointed IGP by President Museveni on April 24, 1992, and was deputized by the late John Kisembo. After retiring, Odomel attempted to join politics but was unsuccessful in his bid for the Pallisa County Constituency parliamentary seat, losing to Louis Opange with 23,143 votes against his 19,090.