AIGP Julius Shalita dies in New York

By Steven Candia

KAMPALA - Julius Shalita, a Ugandan Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) has died in the US.

Shalita, a long serving policeman, died in New York where he had been posted as a police attaché in the Uganda Embassy.

According to relatives Shalita died Saturday morning in hospital, bringing to an end his 28-year-old career.

“We are told that he died of pneumonia,” Maureen Balayo, a niece said.

She added that prior to going back to the US after the festive holiday break, he had not been feeling well but insisted he would go and complete his training.

Relatives also say adverse weather conditions in the US had been affecting his health.

Shalita joined the police force on February 1, 1987 as a cadet, having undergone training at the then Police College in Naguru.

He was squad mates with the likes of Edward Ochom, Godfrey Bangirana, Francis Rwego, Elizabeth Kutesa, all AIGPs and Juventine Odoket.

Shalita, who served in the criminal investigations department (CID) headquarters, was among 109 cadets who joined the force in 1987 and rose through the ranks, thanks to his hard work.

Ochom has expressed shock upon the news of the demise of his contemporary.

“I have also heard about it. It is very sad,” Ochom said of a colleague who also served as the chairman of his wedding meetings.