2nd LD-Writethru: Ugandan president sacks security minister, police chief

KAMPALA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday sacked the security minister and police chief in a surprise reshuffle.

Security Minister Henry Tumukunde and Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura "will be given other duties," a State House statement said.

Elly Tumwine, an army representative in parliament, was named as security minister and Okoth Ochola, a former deputy police chief, was nominated as inspector general.

The appointments have been sent to parliament for approval, the statement said.

The dismissals came after media reports of poor working relationship over a power struggle that has led to an increase in murders and insecurity in the east African country.

Over the last six months, at least 26 women were mysteriously murdered in the capital, Kampala, and the central district of Wakiso, and most of the perpetrators remain at large.

In February alone, six foreign nationals died in Uganda, some under unclear circumstances, local media reported. Enditem