Mr IGP, the President didn’t have to intervene personally

Jul 28, 2009

EDITOR—When Maj Gen Kale Kayihura was assigned to head the Police force, many people opposed the idea because of his military background. While he may have attempted to instill discipline in the Police force, some of his officers have continued to exhib

EDITOR—When Maj Gen Kale Kayihura was assigned to head the Police force, many people opposed the idea because of his military background. While he may have attempted to instill discipline in the Police force, some of his officers have continued to exhibit corrupt tendencies as well as amateurism in their operations.

The events we have witnessed in recent days cast a dark shadow on the Police force. Why did President Museveni have to personally intervene in the arrest of policemen for evicting some residents in Nateete?

A few days later, over 20 policemen were reportedly arrested after they shot live bullets at rioting students of Bugema Adventist School, injuring two. Of course the events in 2006 where the so-called Black Mamba squad demeaned court by re-arresting suspects that had been legally freed are still fresh in many people’s minds.

Maybe it is time to classify our police such that we have those specifically trained to handle petty civilian matters and those for violent situations. In the past, incidents like riots were handled by the anti-riot squad or military police.

I am also concerned about the relationship between the Inspector General of Police and his subordinates. In the Bugema debacle, the IGP was quoted as saying that he received the information from his counterpart in Kenya.

What a shame! Regional and area police commanders must keep the IGP informed of any events they are involved in, not only for his information, but also to seek advice.

We now see policemen being handcuffed. This may paint a picture of seriousness on the part of the administration but it discredits the IGP.

Deo K. Tumusiime
Kampala

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