Kayihura warns against bribing cops

By Dismus Buregyeya

Ugandans should desist from bribing policemen, the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, has warned.

Speaking during a thanksgiving mass organised by residents of Masaka region for his promotion to the rank of General, Kayihura said he had set up a special unit to handle issues to do with bribery. The mass was held at the Golf Lane Hotel in Masaka town.

He said he is disgusted with reports that the Police Force is among the most corrupt institutions in the country.

“I do not want to lead a force that is corrupt. We are going to crack down on the culprits. This time we shall deal with those who seduce my officers using bribes,” Kayihura said.

He said the most common group of people who bribe traffic Police officers are motorists, adding that they would also take action against Police officers who have unexplained wealth.

“I was told about some Police officers who have built bungalows and own a lot of property. I keep wondering where they get such money. For me, I have nothing except my goats at Kasagama in Rakai,” he said.

Kayihura said he had assigned a team led by his deputy, Okoth Ochola, to study the reports of corruption in the force.

He said reports by Transparency International and other agencies that the force is corrupt are an exaggeration.

Reacting to the rampant murders in the Rakai district, Kayihura said he will frequently visit the area together with a special force to hunt down the assailants.

He attributed the murders to disputes over land, property and family conflicts.