By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: The police are mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of former IGP John Kisembo, which occurred on 18th July 2019 at Platinum hospital, Kampala.
He spent over a month in Nairobi hospital before he was flown back in February.
According to the family source, Kisembo’s cancer stretches back to 2017 when he started developing lung-related illnesses.
Upon his return from Nairobi, Kisembo was admitted at Platinum hospital on Sunday 14 July from where he breathed his last around 4:45 pm on Thursday. “He could spend three to five days at Platinum hospital but he could be discharged upon regaining health,” said the source.
The police’s Chief Political Commissar Asan Kasingye confirmed his death on his social media accounts. Kisembo is said to have died from a City hospital where he was under treatment for months.
“I am sad and blue about my former boss and friend. Rest thee well IGP (Emeritus), John Kisembo,” AIGP Kasingye tweeted.
The late was appointed IGP on January 3, 1999, and retired on April 11, 2001, replaced by Gen Katumba Wamala. We will never forget the excellent leadership he gave to the Uganda Police Force during the many years he served.
At the time of his death, he was the Ag Director of UNAFRI.
The IGP has reached out to the family of the deceased and extended his prayers and thoughts to them during this time of sadness.
“We would like to thank all members of the UPF, UNAFRI, and the public who have reached out to the family in this time of sadness,” said CP Fred Enanga.
The IGP has further tasked the Director of Welfare and Production to work with the family to ensure he is honored in a way befitting his life and position in the UPF.
“We shall progressively, update the public and all mourners on funeral arrangements.”
He was born on October 1st, 1955.
He joined Uganda Police Force in 1980.
He was the police chief during the Justice Julia Sebutinde Commission that made several recommendations aimed at the revamping Uganda Police Force.
It was during his tenure, that UPF stopped recruiting Senior Four graduates as Police Constables. This was after Sebutinde recommended that S4 leavers were unable to read and interpret the law.
This compelled police to raise the entry requirement of police constables to senior six, a trend that has remained to date.
Before his appointment as IGP, Kisembo was deputy to John Cossy Odomel who was IGP from 1992 to 1998. Odomel replaced Apollo Byekwaso who was police chief from 1990 to 1992.
Byekwaso replaced David Posomgen who was IGP from 1988 to 1990 while Luke Ofungi was police chief from 1985 to 1987.
Kisembo will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kagadi District.
May the soul of former IGP John Kisembo rest in eternal peace.
