Kayihura returns, set to make public appearance

Police spokesperson Asan Kasingye, has revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura, is back in the country from official duty in Turkey.

While addressing the media during the weekly press conference at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kasingye revealed that Kayihura returned early Monday morning.

Without disclosing further details, Kasingye said Kayihura will address the media soon.

Last week, Police released still images of Kayihura visiting Adana Çukurova Forensic University in Ankara, Turkey.

The photos were released after the media was awash with reports alleging that Kayihura was seriously ill. 

In the pictures, Kayihura could be seen meeting people who Police identified as; the Dean of the University, Prof. Mete Korkut and shaking hands with the Ugandan Deputy Ambassador to Turkey, Moses Kasujja.

Last appearance

Kayihura's last appearance was when President Yoweri Museveni met security chiefs over the recent wave of crime in the country. 

The meeting which to place at Entebbe was also attended by top Police chiefs, led by Kayihura, who according to State House updated the President on investigations related to suspected panga-wielding thugs.        

Security and intelligence officers from the districts affected by the panga-wielding thugs - Kampala, Masaka, Lwengo, Mpigi, Wakiso and Lyantonde - and Resident District Commissioners were among the others who attended.

"The President and the officers reviewed the progress of the security situation in the region.

This followed the circulation of anonymous threatening letters that were followed by incidents of murder and robberies. They also laid strategies to find a lasting solution to the incidents," state house officials said.

Recently while addressing journalists at Katwe Police Station, Kayihura noted with concern that there were politically-inclined criminals who were circulating leaflets intimidating the public in Kampala Metropolitan area, and warned that they would deal with them decisively. He said the leaflets have been circulated in Namulanda, Kyengera, Nsangi and Wakiso.

"Currently, we have prime suspects in connection with this crime. We have apprehended over 13 prime suspects in this new wave of crime. They are providing useful information that will help in our investigations. We shall prosecute all of them and soon, we shall stamp out the vice completely," Kayihura said.

In Greater Masaka, the night attacks and hacking of residents that was witnessed in the three districts of Lwengo, Masaka and Bukomansimbi especially during the months of October and November last year, is now under control. Over 100 suspects were arrested and over 50 of them have appeared in courts of law.

Kayihura said the communities have been mobilized to work closely with the Police through increased patrols, community policing, crime intelligence and investigation to increase vigilance and defeat these criminals in the communities.

"These and more crimes are being handled very well to increase security and safety across the country. We have intensified our community policing initiatives where we continue to mobilize communities to embrace the Neighborhood Watch Scheme, work with crime preventers and local leaders such as local Council I, to ensure peace and security in neighbourhoods," he stated.