The recent report from the mini K9 Unit reveals that the Police dogs have successfully resolved a total of 5,128 cases within a span of three months, from January to March 31, 2024.

The report, released on May 6, 2024 at the police headquarters in Naguru, a suburb of Kampala, highlights that the diligent efforts of the dogs led to the tracking and subsequent arrest of 4,070 suspects.

Additionally, they were also able to recover 1,633 exhibits during the same period.

The suspects comprised of 3,462 males, 387 females, and 224 juveniles.

Out of the total number of suspects, 1,284 were taken to court for further legal proceedings.

During the weekly joint briefing, Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of preserving crime scenes and reporting cases promptly to ease the dogs’ work.

He noted that canine services are accessible around the clock at no cost.

To request canine services, the public can reach out to the DPC, OC CID, OC station, or other relevant authorities at the station within their areas.

Enanga said for any additional assistance related to canines, individuals can also contact the toll-free line at 0800 300900.

He observed that due to the unit's success in combating crime, they are now extending assistance to 91 districts, in addition to the Narcotics Department at Entebbe International Airport and other border points with the help of explosives detection dogs.

He noted that under the Counter Terror Directorate, the stations include: Mukono,Gulu,Mbarara,Busia,Fort-Portal,Bushenyi,Kiira-Division,Masaka,Mpigi,Ntungamo, Iganga, Soroti, Kayunga, Lira, Kisoro, Ibanda, Rukungiri, Kawempe, Kazo, Hoima, Kibaale, Mubende, Jinja, Tororo, Kiryandongo, Kampala, Rubindi, Kiboga, Pallisa, Kamwenge, Bwera, Kalisizo, Serere, Luwero, Kasese, Sheema, Kitagata, Lyantonde, Mityana, Masindi, Lwengo, Kamuli, Kapchorwa, Buhweju, Entebbe, Arua, Mbale, Kabale, Isingiro, Kyenjojo, Sembabule, Sironko, Kakiri, Nagalama, Bundibugy, Rubirizi, Gomba, Kagadi, Butaleja, Rakai, Bunyangabo, Moroto, Kotido, Amuria, and Kakumiro.

Others are Karenga, Buikwe, Abim ,Nabilatuk, Mulanda (Tororo district), Kabong, Napark (EDD), Aviation police, Kumi ,Dokolo, Mitooma, Pader,  Kapelebyong, Bulisa, Katakwi, Bukedea, Kawala, Kiruhura, Luuka, Lamwo, Mayuge, Kalungu and Amudat.

To extend to 13 more stations

Enanga noted that the K9 Unit is also making preparations to extend services to other 13 stations of Kanungu, Kikagati (Isingiro district), Bukomansimbi (Greater Masaka), Nebbi, Apac, Adjumani, Agago, Butambala, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kibuku, Bukwo, and Kassanda.

“These 13 additional deployments will bring the number of stations to 104. Each station has at least two (02) sniffer Dogs,” he noted.

Enanga stated that the K9 services are being expanded, with the breeding and training centre at Nagalama now operational.

According to him, the expense of importing a trainer sniffer dog from overseas varies between $5000 (sh18.8m) and $15000 (sh56.5m).

However, he pointed out that the establishment of the Nagalama breeding centre has significantly decreased the cost of obtaining a sniffer dog by over 80%.

He disclosed that the unit currently possesses 240 sniffer dogs and anticipates reaching a total of 300 by the end of this year (2024).

“A great deal of care is taken into selecting dogs for police work. It is vital to have a good temperament, physically fitness, inquisitive, well-socialized, bold, have strong motivation and be keen to interact and play with people. They are continually assessed for a period of time to assess suitability,” he added.

During the training, Enanga observed that the dog's innate talents are recognized, fostered, and improved.

“Their speed, stigma and scent detection, and ability to quickly track and catch a suspect are determined,” he added.

Enanga expressed his gratitude to the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) and its Development Partners for their invaluable assistance in setting up a comprehensive breeding and training center at Nagalama Police Station.

He also acknowledged their support in procuring breeding dogs, providing top-notch training for instructors on an international scale, and facilitating the transportation sector with 26 motor vehicles and 04 tricycles.   

What is K9 unit?

The police K9 is a specialized unit, that supports other police departments and units, to prevent, detect and investigate crime.

This is done through the use of specifically bred service dogs, which undergo extensive training, that enables them to assist their human partners or handlers, with a variety of tasks.

The most common K9 duties include; suspect tracking and apprehension, narcotic and explosive detection, search and rescue, and crowd control/dispersal.