Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Charles Kataratambi, who was in charge of the Uganda Police Force’s Human Rights and Legal Services Directorate, has died. Kataratambi passed away yesterday, after battling long-term health complications.
The police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusoke Kituuma, said in a statement yesterday said: ‘The Uganda Police Force fraternity deeply regrets to announce the untimely passing of Assistant Inspector General of Police Kataratambi Charles, director of Human Rights and Legal Services, which occurred on Thursday. Details regarding burial arrangements will be shared in due course. The UPF conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the departed officer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.’
AIGP Kataratambi had been in and out of the hospital for several years. The police have not yet released details regarding the cause of death or where he passed away.
A life of service
Several senior security officers and former classmates from Namilyango College described Kataratambi as intelligent, bookish, and principled.
After completing his secondary education, he joined Makerere University in 1996 to pursue a law degree. It was during this time that he formed close friendships with two peers who would also go on to serve in public service: Senior Commissioner of Police (SPC) Fred Enanga, now Deputy Director of International Relations in the Police, and Senior Police Officer (rtd) Simeo Nsubuga, now a commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
SCP Enanga remembered him as “a bright, smart, and loving person.’
‘Charles always stood out. He had empathy, appreciated teamwork, and showed early signs of leadership. At some point, we thought he might venture into politics,’ Enanga said.
‘While I studied Economics and Simeo pursued Education, Charles was immersed in Law.’
After university, Kataratambi proceeded to the Law Development Centre for a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. The trio later reunited unexpectedly in August 2001 at the Police Training School.
‘We were surprised to see each other again in uniform. The bond continued. He liked cracking jokes and was among the brightest officers, especially with his legal background,’ Enanga said.
Kataratambi joined police as one of 58 university graduates recruited in the aftermath of the 2001 Judicial Commission of Inquiry into police corruption.
Mr Simeo Nsubuga noted that his brilliance and legal expertise quickly set him apart. He began his career at the CID headquarters in the Serious Crimes Department, an unusual posting for a recruit. His competence and professionalism led to several leadership roles within the police.
Kataratambi rose to prominence during General Kale Kayihura’s tenure as Inspector General of Police. He frequently provided legal guidance to officers during a time of intense political protests and public demonstrations. He gained public attention when he was appointed head of the Media and Political Crimes Unit at CID.
The unit often summoned journalists from leading media outlets, including Monitor Publications Limited, The Weekly Observer, The Independent, and CBS Radio, over cases related to sedition and sectarianism.
While many journalists were interrogated and released on police bond, often repeatedly extended, few of the cases were ever taken to court. Instead, the files were quietly shelved. In January 2009, Ms Anne Abeja, then company secretary of Monitor Publications, expressed frustration over the drawn-out summons.
‘It is frustrating! We have been reporting since Friday, and on Monday the bonds were extended again,’ she said at the time.
‘We appeared in Mr Kataratambi’s office, waited, and he simply told us the bonds were extended.’
Despite public criticism, insiders said he was executing a delicate balancing act between press freedom and State interests.
Leadership roles and setbacks
In August 2010, he was transferred to the Land Protection Police Unit, then later to the Flying Squad Unit. After two years, he returned to CID and also served as head of investigations for Kampala Metropolitan Police. In March 2014, he was appointed commander of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which was later elevated to a division.
However, in 2015, his career suffered a blow when he was arrested over allegations of mishandling a bank fraud case. Though eventually cleared, he spent nine years without deployment.
Despite this, he maintained close ties with his colleagues and continued attending events, including the 2019 funeral of his police training squad-mate, Commissioner of Police Christine Alalo.
In 2024, he was promoted to the rank of AIGP and appointed director of Human Rights and Legal Services. Though his health deteriorated soon after, he remained dedicated and continued attending work and meetings.
‘He remained respectful of authority. Even though I left the police and he held a higher rank, he would salute me at meetings since I’m now a presidential appointee,’ said Mr Nsubuga.
Both Enanga and Nsubuga expressed deep sorrow over his death. AIGP Charles Kataratambi is survived by his wife and children.
There will be a funeral service today at All Saints Church, Nakasero, and burial will take place tomorrow in Rubaya Village, Kashari, Mbarara District.