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West Nile leaders have urged the Government to address housing challenges affecting the Police department in the region.

The leaders made the plea during a joint meeting with Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi at the headquarters of North Westnile Police region in Moyo district on Thursday.

Moyo district chairperson Williams Anyama said Police officers in the region sleep is 'very terrible' and is one of the reasons many are demotivated.

According to Anyama, the residences of Police officers at some of the Police stations he visited, are collapsing, while others leak causing discomfort to the officers whenever it rains

"The state of houses for our officers is very disappointing. More than two officers sleep in some of the houses. So, for one to access their side, they must pass via another's bedroom or sitting room which is a bad experience" he said.

According to Anyama, as the district local government of Moyo, they offered about seven acres for the Police department to build their complete offices and staff houses, but no development has been done since the land was offered free of charge.

He urged the Police to ensure that the land is developed or else they risk it being taken away.

Adjumani RDC speaks out

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Peter Taban Data equally blamed the Government for not doing enough to improve the well-being of Police officers.

He said, Police are helping a lot in curbing crime in the district, but they lack the motivation to do works better.

Moyo district chairperson Williams Anyama said Police officers in the region sleep is 'very terrible' and is one of the reasons many are demotivated. (All Photos by Adam Gule)

"Motivation is not only increasing salary for officers, but it goes beyond salaries to how these officers' well-being in terms of housing, food and medicines is being catered for," he said.

Data also pleaded with the Government to increase the number of Police officers in the region for effective services.

He said, with the coming of the refugees to the region, the few Police officers have been overstretched, which sometimes delays response to some of the emergencies.

Katsigazi acknowledges challenge

Katsigazi acknowledged that the Police department's housing is terrible. 

He, however, said, they have plans in place to improve the situation effective next financial year and added that it will take the Government some good time to fix all the challenges related to Police housing.

About the numbers of the officers, Katsigazi said, the President has directed them to have at least 18 officers in every post and each sub-county with at least three motorcycles and a van, which he said is a work in progress.

"Our challenge now is the budget allocations. Otherwise, it's in our plans that we increase the number of officers in every Police post to improve services" he said.