Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Sam Omalla has died at the age of 64. His death was confirmed on Monday morning by Capt. Mike Mukula, National Vice Chairman of the NRM Eastern region.
Omalla passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer and kidney failure. He was pronounced dead at 7:00 a.m., just days after police had dismissed earlier reports of his death, saying at the time he remained in critical condition.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Capt. Mukula said:
“Arrow Security Systems Ltd with deep sorrow announce the death of our Director Operations and Deputy CEO SAM OMALLA (RIP)… after a long struggle with cancer.”
Tributes quickly followed. Former Chief Political Commissar Asan Kasingye described Omalla as a “selfless, patriotic and hardworking officer” who “loved his family and spoke proudly about cultural interconnectivity.”
Sam Omalla retired from the Uganda Police Force at the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), but his name became widely known during his tenure as Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander.
He rose to prominence — and controversy — during the early 2010s for his heavy-handed policing of opposition protests, particularly those led by veteran opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye during the “Walk to Work” demonstrations.
Supporters praised Omalla for maintaining what they called “law and order,” while human rights groups criticised him for the excessive use of force.
In later years, Omalla publicly expressed regret for the brutality associated with some of the operations he commanded, offering an apology to Ugandans for the actions taken under his leadership.
After leaving the police force, he joined the private sector as Deputy CEO and Director of Operations at Arrow Security Systems Ltd, a security firm owned by Capt. Mukula.
Speaking to The Observer newspaper in 2023, Omalla reflected on his personal life, expressing gratitude for his family. “At 63, I have 16 children and 39 grandchildren. God has blessed me that I have never lost a child,” he said.
“My last born is eight years old. I am a peaceful and lucky man.”
In the same interview, Omalla named Dr. Besigye as “the most hostile politician” he faced during field operations but said he had managed to “tame him” through measures like preventive arrest. In contrast, he praised political figures such as Norbert Mao and Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu for their non-violent approach.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and Arrow Security Systems in due course.
