IGP Byakagaba eulogises AIGP Kataratambi as a devoted officer and friend

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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has described the late Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Charles Kataratambi as a devoted officer, a man of integrity, and a friend whose service greatly strengthened the Uganda Police Force.

Speaking during the funeral at Kanga Village, Kashari County, Mbarara district, October 11, 2025, Byakagaba said the Force had lost not only a senior officer but also a family member who dedicated his life to justice and institutional development.

Different dignitaries, including the minister of state for security, Gen. David Muhoozi, and Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, the minister of health, were among the mourners at the burial held at Kataratambi's country home.

State Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, and Dr Jane Ruth Acen,g the Health Minister, at the funeral of the late AIGP, Charles Kataratambi, at the family home. (Courtesy)

The IGP, who led a delegation of senior Police commanders and dignitaries, said Kataratambi’s death was a great blow to the institution, especially because of his pivotal role as Director of Human Rights and Legal Services, where he championed rights-based policing.

“We have lost a colleague who was part of our family, and we shall live to remember him,” Byakagaba said. “Charles (Kataratambi) was not just an officer; he was a friend and a pillar in our service. His contribution to the Police and to this country will forever be remembered.”

Inspector General of Uganda Police Force paying last respects to the late AIGP Charles Kataratambi during the funeral on Saturday at the family home in Kanga Village, Kashari, Mbarara. (Courtesy)

He hailed the late officer’s professionalism, intellect, and devotion to duty, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire serving officers.

“He was a man of justice who ensured that our actions as Police officers always aligned with the law and human dignity,” he said.

He added that: “He has died young, but what he accomplished in his years of service surpasses the time he lived.”

Last respects to AIGP Charles Twesigye Kataratambi during funeral at his home in Rubaya Kashari, Mbarara district. (Courtesy)

The IGP also paid tribute to Christine Kataratambi, the widow, and the family for standing by the late officer throughout his career and illness.

AIGP Kataratambi joined the Uganda Police Force on August 1, 2001, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and steadily rose through the ranks through professionalism and commitment.

He served in multiple capacities including:

•      Officer-in-Charge CID, CPS Kampala (2005)
•      Head, Political and Media Offences Department (2008)
•      Commander, Land Protection Unit (2009)
•      Head, Anti-Narcotics Department (2011)
•      Deputy Director, CID – and commandant Special Investigations Unit (2014)
•      Director, Human Rights and Legal Services (2024)

Kataratambi also represented Uganda in international service, earning commendation for outstanding performance during his deployment under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia in 2006, where he served as Chief of Staff and Head of Police.

Through accelerated promotions, he rose to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police in 2008, Commissioner of Police in 2010, Senior Commissioner in 2015, and finally Assistant Inspector General of Police in 2024, a position he held until his death.

During the burial, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma described the late Kataratambi as “a lawyer by training, an officer with immense intellectual prowess, and a man deeply devoted to duty.”

“We shall miss him dearly as the Police fraternity and the wider family of friends and colleagues,” Kituuma said.

Kataratambi passed away on October 2, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital.

A memorial service was held at Watoto Church in Kampala on Friday, October 10.