John Cossy Odomel

Mr. John Cossy Odomel was born on 1st April 1955 in Kameke Village, Pallisa District, Uganda. He was the biological son of the Late Constant Ogunia and the Late Regina Esaete and was lovingly raised by his adopted parents, the Late Mzee Augustine Odomel (Assistant Commissioner of Police) and Toto Christine Nyangoma. From an early age, Mr. Odomel exhibited remarkable academic prowess, earning a place at Lango College for his secondary education. He later joined Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, graduating in 1979.

Following his graduation, Mr. Odomel was recruited as a government chemist. However, his passion for service led him to follow in the footsteps of his beloved father, Mzee Augustine Odomel, to join the Uganda Police Force as part of the national drive to professionalise the institution following the change of Government to the National Resistance Army. His dedication and commitment quickly became evident.

After completing initial police training in Tanzania, Mr. Odomel rapidly rose through the ranks. He served as District Police Commander (DPC) in Bushenyi and Masaka and later as a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officer in Tororo and Jinja. In 1987, he was selected for a trainer’s course at the Police Training School in Kibuli, after which he was promoted to Deputy Regional Police Commander for Central Uganda. Two years later, he became the Regional Commander and subsequently headed the Police Welfare Department.

At just 37 years old, Mr. Odomel was appointed Uganda’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) on April 24, 1992, becoming the youngest IGP in Uganda’s history were he focused on professionalising the Force and improving the welfare of the police officers, notably serving as a founding member of the Uganda Police SACCO. He served with distinction until January 1, 1999, making him one of the longest-serving IGPs in the land.

In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Makerere University, Mr. Odomel, post his service as the IGP, pursued further education, earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and a Master’s in Managerial Studies from Uganda Management Institute (UMI).

In 2010, Mr. Odomel was awarded by His Excellency, the President of Uganda, the Exemplary Service Order, Class One, in recognition for his distinguished service to the Uganda Police Force.

In 2013, Mr. Odomel was appointed to the Uganda Police Authority, the highest decision-making body in the Uganda Police Force, where he continued to advocate for improvements in police welfare. Notable contributions to the Police Authority include, among others, chairing the police centenary countrywide community celebrations in 2014 and serving as a member of the oversight committee that organised Pope Francis’s pastoral visit to Uganda and pilgrimage to Namugongo Catholic Shrine in 2015.

Mr. Odomel married the Late Mrs. Mary Magdalen Odomel Aino on November 22, 1986. Together, they built a strong and loving family, blessed with seven children: Moses Odomel, Joseph Odomel, Andrew Elwana, Emmanuel Okwaja, Regina Marvel Esaete Odomel, and a set of twins, Mary Magdalen Apio, and John Chriszostom Odongo. He was also a proud father-in-law to Phiona Odomel, Paula Elwana, Sharon Odomel, Dorothy Okwaja, and Donald Asea, and a father figure to many.

His warmth, love and legacy extended to his cherished grandchildren: Rayne Aino, Deogratius Odomel, Raya Esaete, Ezrella Apollo, Alena Aino, Dara Aino, Avniel Odomel, Isaiah Odomel, Abigail Aino, Nuri Asea, Ivana Esaete, Celine Asio, and Amara Magdalen Christine Apollo.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and family life, Mr. Odomel was known for his vibrant personality and wide-ranging interests. He enjoyed jogging, watching and playing soccer, swimming, showing off his grandchildren through frequent evening walks, whose memories will be forever cherished, participating in community and church activities, photography, and staying informed about current affairs. He had a deep love for Soukous/Congolese music.

A respectable and exemplary member of society, Mr. Odomel was admired for his dedication to community service and the Church. Though he was known to be strict, he had a gentle heart and was a source of inspiration to many. He firmly believed in the value of education and upheld strong family values throughout his life.

His life was one of unwavering service, integrity, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire his family, colleagues, and the nation. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered as a distinguished leader, devoted family man, and pillar of the community. His impact on our lives will never fade.