How Kirumira earned a demotion

He had led a promising career in the police force. He had been a popular officer and, by his own admission, groomed by former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

He was very popular in all the places he worked, including Nansana, Old Kampala and Buyende, where he was known for various operations against criminals.

However, his troubles began late last year and early this year, he saw himself facing the disciplinary tribunal of the police. Much as he tried to argue his case through the media, insisting that he cannot be tried without the media, and sometimes causing chaos during the tribunal hearing, the Police was patiently gathering evidence against him.

The media had anticipated that with the departure of Gen. Kayihura and his replacement by Okoth Ochola, he would get off the hook.

However, the tribunal went a head and Thursday morning handed him the punishment. He was demoted two ranks below, from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP).

This was the ruling by the police disciplinary court sitting at Naguru. He was found guilty of gross misconduct, contrary to the police standing orders on conduct and discipline.

On Tuesday, he refused to attend court as he walked away in protest after journalists were blocked from covering the proceedings. Court postponed the judgement to Thursday.

Although he has the right to appeal the ruling, and he has indicated so, it is not clear if the tribunal could be forced to rescind the ruling.

According to Police standing orders, he could face dismissal with disgrace if he did not abide by the ruling.