Renowned former Assistant Commissioner of Police Sam Omara has died at the age of 65.
He passed away on Monday, April 28 at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer and kidney failure.
Omara, who underwent dialysis last year, was a prominent figure in the Uganda Police Force, serving in several capacities, including Kampala North Police Operations Commander.
His role during the 2011 “walk-to-work” protests led by Dr Kizza Besigye attracted mixed reactions, with some accusing him of using heavy-handed tactics.
After retiring from the police, Omara moved into the private security sector and became Deputy CEO at Arrow Security Services, a firm owned by Captain Mike Mukula.
Following appeals from Omara’s family, Mukula reportedly engaged President Museveni to support his medical treatment.
The Uganda Police Force also pledged to help cover some of his medical expenses.
Former Minister Mike Mukula, who was Omara’s boss at Arrow Security Services, paid tribute to him in a message posted on X.
He wrote: “Arrow security systems LTD with deep sorrow announce the death of our Director Operations and deputy CEO Sam Omalla (RIP) and retired at the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP).
He has just passed on earlier this morning at 7 am in Mulago hospital after a long struggle with cancer.”
Signs of Omara’s declining health had been apparent for some time.
In November 2024, the Director of Police Health Services, AIGP Dr Byaruhanga Moses, visited him at Mulago Hospital to check on his condition.
