The retirement of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief, Gen. Kale Edward Kayihura, from the army has sparked joy among the residents of his hometown, Kisoro.

President Yoweri Museveni, in a letter dated July 2, 2023, approved the retirement from active service of Gen. Kayihura and ten other army officials holding the ranks of Lieutenant General and Brigadier General. The list included notable names such as Lt Gen. James Nakibus Lakara, Maj. Gen Samuel Wasswa Mutesasira, Maj Gen Joseph Arocha, Maj Gen David Kwakaalo, Brig Gen Austine Kasatwooki Kamanyire, and Brig Gen Stephen Oluka, among others.

Relative of Kayihura and residents of his hometown in Kisoro, expressed immense happiness upon hearing the news of his retirement. They mention that it had been their prayer to see him retire peacefully, even though they were hurt when a military court denied him permission to return to Kisoro. They eagerly await Kayihura's return home. 

Michael Kwizera, a resident of Nyakabande sub-county, expressed his joy at Kayihura's retirement, stating that it was long overdue. He believes that Kayihura was a victim of false accusations made by his enemies and had not committed any crimes during his tenure. Kwizera added that Kayihura's arrest showed how much he was loved by the people, especially those in the Kisoro district, and emphasized that they have forgiven those responsible for his arrest. 

John Muftimukiza, a counsellor representing Nyarusiza sub-county, was also thrilled about Kayihura's release, considering it a fulfilment of President Museveni's promise to pardon him during his 2020 political campaign. Muftimukiza believed that despite his retirement, Kayihura's skills and capabilities could still be utilized for specific assignments.

Wilson Kazimiri, district councillor representing Chahi sub-county, acknowledged that while some errors occurred during Kayihura's tenure, it should not overshadow the fact that he served effectively in ensuring security. He expressed his happiness upon learning about Kayihura's retirement.

Gen. Kayihura faced charges of failure to protect war materials, failure to supervise police officers, and kidnapping, leading to his arrest in 2020. Despite these charges, he had been on bail since then. In his last days as IGP, Kayihura had proposed holding suspects with capital offences for 90 days before trial, aiming to gather substantial evidence for successful prosecution.

After his arrest, Kayihura was detained at the military police headquarters in Makindye for 76 days without trial. He was later arraigned in the court martial and charged with three counts, including failure to protect war materials, failure to supervise specialized units under the IGP's office, and aiding and abetting kidnapping.