Police clarifies on allegations of working with criminals

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has dismissed reports that some of its officers are working with criminals.

This follows the parading of suspected criminals who have allegedly been terrorising the central region, of which some claimed to have been working with some police officers.

This was at a press conference held by the Police boss Gen. Kale Kayihuira on Monday at Katwe Police Station.

The police spokesperson, Asan Kasingye refuted reports by sections of the media that one of the suspects claimed that some criminals were working with police personnel, stressing that the suspect as well as any of the suspects paraded did not say or suggest that police were involved in or gave them uniform.

"It was wrong to insinuate that it was the police even when the suspect clarified after being shown the security guard who was apprehended by the police. It is false and malicious," he added.

Addressing the media at the same event, Kayihura told the media that they had received intelligence that some of the criminals were linked to some politicians.

However, former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye said the words of the criminals should not be taken lightly, saying that Kayihura needs to resign for failing to protect Ugandans and their property.

But the government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo said Besigye was only trying to pre-empt police action because he knows politicians who are linked to these groups and would be exposed anytime soon.