
KAMPALA, Uganda — Capt. Mike Mukula, a prominent political figure, on Thursday lauded the late Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Sam Omala for his unwavering dedication to duty, particularly during politically volatile periods in Uganda. Mukula’s tribute came during a memorial for the veteran police commander.
Mukula, who chairs Arrow Security (U) Limited and serves as the National Vice Chairman of the ruling NRM party’s Eastern region, highlighted Omala’s resolute stance during the “Walk to Work” protests led by Kizza Besigye. He recalled Omala, then holding the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), maintaining order amidst significant public unrest in Kampala and other parts of the country.
“At a time when chaos threatened to engulf Kampala and other parts of Uganda, Sam Omala stood firm, not with hatred, but with commitment to order,” Mukula said. He emphasized Omala’s steadfast loyalty to the constitution and the Uganda Police Force despite facing public anger and misinformation.
Mukula credited Omala’s “calm yet firm command” as crucial in preventing further escalation of violence during those tense times. He noted Omala’s understanding of the importance of responsible freedom and his tireless efforts to ensure peace.
Describing Omala as a mentor and a patriot, Mukula stated that many officers learned the values of discipline, honor, and impartial law enforcement under his leadership. He emphasized that Omala’s focus remained on protecting life, property, and peace, rather than seeking personal recognition.
Mukula asserted that the stability Uganda enjoys today is partly attributable to the service of dedicated officers like AIGP Omala. He urged Omala’s colleagues in the police force to honor his legacy by upholding truth and discipline in their duties.
“To his family, we say thank you for sharing him with this nation. His sacrifice was not in vain,” Mukula said. “To his colleagues in the Uganda Police Force—honor his legacy by standing firm in truth and discipline, for you walk in the footsteps of a giant.”
See full speech below
“Honoring a Gallant Officer: ACP Sam Omala”
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished mourners, friends, family, and members of the Uganda Police Force,
Today, we gather with heavy hearts, but also with immense pride, to honor the memory of a man who stood as a pillar of courage, discipline, and service—the late Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sam Omala.
In remembering him, we do not merely mourn the loss of a man; we celebrate the life of a patriot, a law enforcement officer of rare grit, and a dedicated servant of the Republic of Uganda.
ACP Sam Omala etched his name into the annals of national history—not by chasing popularity, but by doing the hard things that had to be done, especially during some of the most politically sensitive and unstable times in our country.
Who can forget his resolute stance during the “Walk to Work” protests led by Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye? At a time when chaos threatened to engulf Kampala and other parts of Uganda, Sam Omala stood firm, not with hatred, but with commitment to order. He bore the brunt of public anger, insults, and misinformation, yet remained unshaken in his loyalty to the Constitution and the Uganda Police Force.
His calm yet firm command helped prevent the descent into violence. He understood that freedom without responsibility becomes anarchy, and he worked tirelessly to ensure Ugandans could enjoy peace even in times of disagreement.
He was a father, a mentor, a commander—and above all, a patriot who placed country above self. Many officers passed through his leadership, learning the values of discipline, honor, and impartial enforcement of the law.
Sam Omala did not chase fame; it chased him. But he carried it with humility, never losing sight of his mission: to protect life, property, and the peace of Uganda.
Let us be clear: history may be interpreted in many ways, but truth remains unshaken—Uganda is more stable and secure today because of men like ACP Sam Omala.
As we lay him to rest, we must also rise to his standard—the standard of service without fear or favor, of action guided by the law, and of strength tempered by wisdom.
To his family, we say thank you for sharing him with this nation. His sacrifice was not in vain.
To his colleagues in the Uganda Police Force—honor his legacy by standing firm in truth and discipline, for you walk in the footsteps of a giant.
May the Almighty reward his service with eternal peace. Rest well, gallant officer. Your duty is done, and your name lives on.
For God and My Country.
Capt Mike mukula . National vice chairman NRM Eastern.