Human rights not only for criminals
Nov 06, 2006
THE latest report of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) showed lack of appreciation of the role of the Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU). A few years ago before VCCU was formed, aggravated bank robberies and high profile murders were daily occurrencies.
Pamela Ankunda
THE latest report of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) showed lack of appreciation of the role of the Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU). A few years ago before VCCU was formed, aggravated bank robberies and high profile murders were daily occurrencies.
Kampala had become a centre of crime. The police and other security agencies seemed unable to combat crime that was rising. Consequently, Operation Wembley was set up, under the command of Col. Kayanja.
In spite of some shortcomings, Operation Wembley was largely successful. However, it was under pressure from human rights groups which claimed that even robbers and murderers had rights. When Operation Wembley was stopped, robbers and murderers used the opportunity to re-organise. New rackets of criminals emerged but these were linked to the old ones that had been burst by Operation Wembley. Citizens cried for protection once more; they needed to feel safe. That necessitated the creation of VCCU to work alongside police and other security agencies.
While protection of human rights is a noble cause, hard-core criminals should never be given an opportunity for flourish. Our security officers also have rights like any other person. We don’t expect them to fight armed robbers with sticks or to approach them as if they were going for a tea party. They risk their lives to protect ours, yet nobody speaks for them.
For example, a VCCU operative in Kirekka almost lost his life after a lecturer from MUBS was attacked and robbed of his vehicle.
Investigations led to Mbale. Three VCCU officers were asked to take the case on. In Mbale, the robbers had organised their friends. They burnt a Toyota Corona registration number UAG 909P. The robbers were armed. One VCCU officer almost lost his life. He escaped with major injuries that left him with a bleeding nose. Today, he takes on light tasks at VCCU offices in Kirekka. No-one has spoken for him and his friends. Yet he also has rights. Criminals seem to have more rights than upright citizens. Whose rights matter?
It might be true that some officers from the VCCU, Police and other agencies have committed offences that amount to abuse of human rights. These should be tried and disciplinary action taken against them. But in all, VCCU, the army and Police should be applauded for doing a good job in protecting citizen.
The writer is a student of Makerere University
THE latest report of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) showed lack of appreciation of the role of the Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU). A few years ago before VCCU was formed, aggravated bank robberies and high profile murders were daily occurrencies.
Kampala had become a centre of crime. The police and other security agencies seemed unable to combat crime that was rising. Consequently, Operation Wembley was set up, under the command of Col. Kayanja.
In spite of some shortcomings, Operation Wembley was largely successful. However, it was under pressure from human rights groups which claimed that even robbers and murderers had rights. When Operation Wembley was stopped, robbers and murderers used the opportunity to re-organise. New rackets of criminals emerged but these were linked to the old ones that had been burst by Operation Wembley. Citizens cried for protection once more; they needed to feel safe. That necessitated the creation of VCCU to work alongside police and other security agencies.
While protection of human rights is a noble cause, hard-core criminals should never be given an opportunity for flourish. Our security officers also have rights like any other person. We don’t expect them to fight armed robbers with sticks or to approach them as if they were going for a tea party. They risk their lives to protect ours, yet nobody speaks for them.
For example, a VCCU operative in Kirekka almost lost his life after a lecturer from MUBS was attacked and robbed of his vehicle.
Investigations led to Mbale. Three VCCU officers were asked to take the case on. In Mbale, the robbers had organised their friends. They burnt a Toyota Corona registration number UAG 909P. The robbers were armed. One VCCU officer almost lost his life. He escaped with major injuries that left him with a bleeding nose. Today, he takes on light tasks at VCCU offices in Kirekka. No-one has spoken for him and his friends. Yet he also has rights. Criminals seem to have more rights than upright citizens. Whose rights matter?
It might be true that some officers from the VCCU, Police and other agencies have committed offences that amount to abuse of human rights. These should be tried and disciplinary action taken against them. But in all, VCCU, the army and Police should be applauded for doing a good job in protecting citizen.
The writer is a student of Makerere University