By Adam Bukenya | Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Sam Omara, the retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and a divisive figure in Uganda’s security history, has died at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by the Uganda Police Force on Monday morning, although the exact cause was not disclosed.

In a statement, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke described Omara as a “gallant and dedicated officer” who served the force with distinction and retired honorably. During his career, Omara held several senior positions, most notably as the Kampala North Police Operations Commander.

Omara gained national prominence during the 2011 “walk-to-work” protests, where he led security operations that were widely criticized for their heavy-handedness. While some in government praised his firm approach to crowd control, opposition figures and rights groups accused him of excessive force and brutality.

Known for his often-smirking demeanor while facing off with opposition supporters, Omara became a symbol of the state’s iron-fisted response to dissent. His appearance and conduct during these moments cemented his reputation among many Ugandans as both a no-nonsense enforcer and, for others, a face of repression.

In a rare moment of public reflection before his death, Omara offered an apology to Ugandans, acknowledging that “excesses” had occurred during his tenure. His contrition surprised some, marking a significant shift from his earlier, unapologetic posture.

After retiring from the police in 2020, Omara briefly explored a political path before transitioning into the private security sector. He served as Deputy CEO of Arrow Security Services, a company owned by prominent NRM figure Capt. Mike Mukula.

His final years were marred by declining health, reportedly due to prostate cancer and kidney failure. Financial support for his treatment came from both Mukula and President Yoweri Museveni, who helped cover his mounting medical expenses.