Thousands of mourners from across the world gathered on Saturday at Rubaya Village in Mbarara District to pay their last respects to the late AIGP Charles Kataratambi, former Director of Legal and Human Rights in the Uganda Police Force. Kataratambi passed away on 2 October at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after a battle with cancer.
The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, in his eulogy, described Kataratambi not just as a police officer, but as his best friend. “I am not sending off Charles Kataratambi as a police officer but my best friend who has been helping me with my duties,” he said, adding that Kataratambi dedicated most of his career to the police force. Byakagaba noted that when Kataratambi was appointed AIGP Legal, he was instrumental in analyzing human rights issues and made significant contributions to both the police and the country. “Charles Kataratambi died at a very young age, but what he did was bigger than his age,” the IGP added, praising his uniqueness and dedication.
Byakagaba also reflected on the 2001 police intake, which consisted of 65 cadets. Of these, six eventually rose to the rank of AIGP. Unfortunately, two—Felix Kaweesi and Charles Kataratambi—have passed away. Two have retired—Grace Akullo and Fadil Kali—while three continue to serve: AIGP Bamunoma Ubalido, Hadijja Namutebi, and John Nuwagira.
Gen. David Muhoozi, the State Minister for Internal Affairs, highlighted his close personal and professional ties with Kataratambi. “First, we shared blood; second, military, because he was in police and I’m in the army; and third, we were all lawyers,” he said. Gen. Muhoozi also commended Kataratambi for his resilience, particularly during a period when he was falsely accused and suspended from office. “He never sought help from anyone until the President cleared him,” Muhoozi said. He thanked the police leadership for supporting Kataratambi and expressed gratitude to his wife, Christina, for her unwavering support during his illness.
Dr. Ruth Jane Achengi, the Health Minister representing President Museveni, emphasized that Charles Kataratambi lived a life that touched many, which was reflected in the large turnout at his funeral. She thanked the Uganda Cancer Institute for their care and highlighted the broader challenge of non-communicable diseases in Uganda, urging regular exercise, healthy diets, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and early health check-ups, including prostate cancer screenings for men. She also shared that President Museveni sent Shs 10 million in condolences to the family.
Christina Kataratambi, the widow, paid tribute to her late husband’s dedication to both work and family. “When Charles Kataratambi was placed on Katebe, he remained committed to his family and friends. He never ran away from anyone,” she said. She recounted how his former boss, Gen. Kale Kayihura, later apologized for the false accusations and offered to reinstate him. Kataratambi, however, chose to let the law take its course to ensure the matter would not resurface with a future government. She further shared a personal account of President Museveni calling her husband to check on his well-being and family, which she said was a gesture of recognition and support.
Christina also expressed her gratitude to the First Family, IGP Abas Byakagaba, and the entire police force for their consistent support during Kataratambi’s eight years on Katebe and throughout his illness.
