By Eddie Ssejjoba

President Yoweri Museveni has directed leaders in Rubaga Division to conduct political and military cadre courses, commonly known as chakamchaka, as a strategy of strengthening security in the area.

The division chairman, Peter Ssematimba, said following the havoc during last month’s riots, the President, in liaison with the local leadership, had directed that the sensitisation course be organised for the youth.

“As leaders we support the President’s initiative because it is a good solution to the social challenges that we experienced. I applaud him for his leadership and vision,” he said.

Ssematimba was addressing over 300 trainees at the opening of a four-week cadre course at Bulange in Lungujja parish in Kampala on Thursday.

Citing the insecurity that has hit Somalia and affected development, Ssematimba said the riots were an indicator that the area security be strengthened from the grassroots.

He added that the riots occurred partly because the youth do have a sense of security and responsibility towards life, community and the country.

Ssematimba applauded the first batch of the trainees, saying would champion the patriotism cause and shape the division’s destiny.
He noted that the President would attend the passout ceremony of the trainees, adding that they would get badges to identify them as cadres.

The Kampala South region Police commander, Moses Kafeero Kabugo, said he had deployed more Police at Nateete and Old Kampala Police stations following the destruction of Nateete Police Post.

“I want to ensure that the Police and the community work together to strengthen community policing,” he said.

Kafeero urged the community to regard the Police as problem-solvers rather than enemies.

Kafeero appealed to the Police to respect local leaders and use them to achieving their mission.

An area councillor, Zalwango, speaking on behalf of the trainees, said some residents shunned the course claiming that it was a strategy of wooing supporters for the National Resistance Movement ahead of the 2011 general elections.