Retired General Edward Kale Kayihura, the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Uganda, was seen walking casually through the streets of Kampala on Saturday, March 08, 2025, sparking a wave of reactions among residents and onlookers. The sighting of the once-powerful military and police figure, now living a quieter life post-retirement, has reignited conversations about his legacy and the state of security in the country.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Gen. Kayihura, dressed in a simple outfit, moving through the bustling capital without any visible security detail—a stark contrast to his days as the nation’s top police official when he was often flanked by armed guards. The 69-year-old retired general appeared at ease, occasionally stopping to greet passersby, many of whom were surprised to see him in such an unassuming manner.
“I couldn’t believe it was him at first,” said Grace Namutebi, a street vendor near Kampala Road. “He just walked by, smiling and nodding at people. No bodyguards, no fuss. It’s amazing to see someone of his status so free and relaxed.”
The sighting comes nearly two years after Gen. Kayihura’s official retirement from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in August 2023, following a tumultuous period that saw him face charges of failing to protect war materials and aiding the illegal repatriation of Rwandan exiles. Those charges were eventually dropped, and he was celebrated with a homecoming event in his native Kisoro District in October 2023. Since then, Kayihura has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on farming and personal pursuits in Lyantonde District.
Social media buzzed with commentary following the sighting. Some Ugandans praised the peace and stability that allowed a figure like Kayihura to walk freely, crediting President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership. “A former police boss and four-star general walking Kampala streets unharmed? That says a lot about Uganda’s security,” one X user posted. Others, however, speculated about his current status, with some suggesting he has been “left to fade away” by the government after years of loyal service.
Kayihura’s tenure as IGP from 2005 to 2018 was marked by both praise and controversy. Lauded by supporters for modernizing the police force and maintaining order during turbulent times, he was also criticized for his heavy-handed approach to opposition protests and allegations of human rights abuses, which led to U.S. sanctions in 2019. His dramatic fall from grace in 2018, when he was sacked and later arrested, remains a pivotal moment in Uganda’s recent political history.
When approached by a local journalist during his walk, Gen. Kayihura declined to comment extensively but offered a brief remark: “I’m just enjoying the fresh air and the peace of this city. Life goes on.” His words reflect a man who has transitioned from the corridors of power to a simpler existence, yet his presence still commands attention.
Political analysts see the sighting as a subtle reminder of Uganda’s complex security landscape. “Kayihura’s ability to walk freely is a testament to the stability Museveni’s government often touts,” said Dr. James Okello, a lecturer at Makerere University. “But it also raises questions about reconciliation and how former power brokers are integrated back into society after such high-profile exits.”
For now, Gen. Kayihura’s stroll through Kampala has left many reflecting on his past contributions and the evolving narrative of his retirement. Whether this marks a new chapter of public visibility or simply a rare outing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the former police chief still has the power to turn heads in Uganda’s capital.