Yumbe, Uganda – The former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura was recognized for his role in restoring peace in the West Nile region during the annual Peace Day Anniversary held in Yumbe District on Saturday, 12 April 2025.
The high-profile event attended by community leaders, local government officials and peace stakeholders saw Kayihura receive warm applause for his past efforts in stabilizing one of Uganda’s most historically unstable regions.
The former police chief, who has been largely out of the public eye following his 2018 arrest and subsequent court martial proceedings, appeared visibly moved as he talked journalists saying;
“I’m very happy to be recognized for my efforts in restoring peace in West Nile. This honor means a lot, not just to me, but to all the men and women who served with me during those difficult times.”
The event marks an outstanding moment of public redemption for the ex-security chief, whose name has long been associated with Uganda’s hardline policing era.
Organizers of the Peace Day celebration cited his leadership in quelling insurgencies and promoting community policing across West Nile during his tenure as IGP from 2005 to 2018.
Held under the theme “Peace as the Foundation for Development“, this year’s commemoration focused on recognizing individuals who contributed to reconciliation and regional stability in post-conflict areas such as Arua, Yumbe, Koboko, and Moyo.
The West Nile sub-region has historically endured waves of conflict from armed rebellions in the 1980s and 1990s to refugee arrivals due to unrest in neighboring South Sudan and DRC.
Gen. Kayihura was instrumental in deploying community-oriented policing strategies, rebuilding trust between law enforcement and civilians, and overseeing disarmament campaigns in areas previously under rebel threat.
His approach was both lauded and criticized while many credit him for suppressing insurgent activity, others accuse him of running a militarized police force with a heavy hand.
Still, the crowd at Yumbe’s Peace Grounds seemed largely in agreement that the ceremony symbolized progress and recognition for efforts that brought an end to an era of fear.
Though Gen. Kayihura has not confirmed any political or public ambitions, his presence at the event and warm reception has reignited debate about his role in Uganda’s evolving political landscape. Some insiders speculate this could signal a public image revival especially in regions where his security legacy remains strong.
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