Masindi DPC irked by political interference

By Geoffrey Mutegeki Araali

THE Masindi District Police Commander (DPC) Moses Ekudot has decried the increased political interference in police activities which jeopardises their work.

He revealed that whenever someone related to bigwigs is arrested, several politicians come with all excuses including intimidation to secure the culprit's release.

His comments come after several politicians thronged Masindi police station over the weekend demanding the release of Innocent Businge who was arrested over the weekend for assaulting a Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier. 

Businge is a youth councillor for Central division Masindi municipality. 

"The boy is connected and known to many big persons that's why sometimes he behaves with impunity. We arrested him because he is not above the law," Ekudot said. 

The problem, he added, is that several politicians started making calls asking for his release and others came to the station. 

Ekudot asked politicians to do their work and let police restore order and keep peace in the community rather than frustrating them. 

"When someone commits a crime he or she is liable for their wrongs. By releasing people because politicians feel they are their friends tarnishes our name as police." 

He promised that police will continue doing its work and will not turn a blind eye to those who are involved in crime. 

Businge was released on bond and the matter is to be settled between him and the victim.