Kakooza endeared us to the public, says IGP Ochola

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Okoth Ochola has described Kakooza as a talented officer, who endeared the force to the public.

"The sweet melodies composed by the Police band under the leadership of Kakooza have made the force friendlier to the public," said the Police chief.

Ochola said Kakooza also boosted the income of the force through the music she composed.

"She was a gifted musician who turned the @PoliceUg band into a source of income for the force, as they received many bookings for businesses for both the public and state functions," Ochola said.

Ochola said these during the burial of the fallen Police commissioner and head of the Police band Josephine Kakooza in Mukono.

Kakooza, 64, breathed her last Wednesday morning. She was one of the longest serving Police officers with 50 years of experience.

She has been the head of music, dance and drama department in the force, which she  served since joining as a 14-year-old girl in 1969.

Henry Nkaayi, Kakooza's husband, described her as a dedicated civil servant, who served the country with all her heart. He said Kakooza loved her family and respected her husband, although she was a high-ranking officer.

By the time of her death, the couple (Kakooza and Nkaayi) were constructing their home. "We call upon the Government to support our family to complete the house so that the children can be transferred from the barracks," he said.

Kakooza was born in 1955 to Joseph Kakooza, a former Buganda County chief in Villa Maria, Masaka and Theodora Namutebi. She attended St.Agnes Naggalama in Mukono, Trinity College Nabbingo in Wakiso district before joining the Police in 1969.

Ann Stellah Babirye remembered the last moments with her mother as the most difficult times. "On Tuesday evening, she prepared food, but complained about not feeling well. She served food and I later left for church, not knowing that those were my last moments with her."

Kakooza went to Kibuli Police Training School for two years, and was later deployed in the @PoliceUg band, under the music department.

She is survived by a husband, nine children and several grandchildren.