RDC, LC3 chairman clash over idle and disorderly operations

PIC: Lyantonde RDC Tiguragara Matojo speaking to New Vision recently. (Credit: Davis Buyondo)

LEADERSHIP
 
LYANTONDE - A sharp disagreement has emerged between Lyantonde resident district commissioner Suleiman Tiguragara Matojo and Lyantonde town council chairperson Mustafa Kalule over idle and disorderly operations.
 
According to Matojo, Kalule has consistently obstructed different operations, which encourages law breakers to roam and terrorise town council communities.
 
Kalule is also accused of frustrating other town council resolutions such as restricting prostitution and street vending. As a result, Matojo directed the Police to arrest Kalule, but this has not materialised.
 
However, Kalule refuted the allegation, saying he is being witch hunting over disrupting unnecessary operations that negatively affect residents and the business fraternity.
 
"The Police usually arrests residents with intent to solicit money through illegal bond fees. Everyone pays sh50,000 to be released," Kalule alleged.

He further said he was not against operations to combat crime, but the nature of operations, the time and motive are a big concern to the community.
 
However, on Tuesday, the Police effected the idle and disorderly operations in which they arrested more than 40 people, including sex workers, gamblers and people wandering in the sub-county.
 
According to those who were released on Wednesday, they paid between sh20,000 and sh50,000 to be released on Police bond. One of the sex workers said the Police advised them to get uniforms, before going back on the street.

Mustafa Kalule, the Lyantonde LC3 chairperson argues that the Police and other authorities carry out idle and disorderly operations with intention to get illegal bond fees from those arrested. (Credit: Davis Buyondo)

Robert Tashobya, the Lyantonde district Police commander denied allegations of soliciting money through illegal bond fees.
 
He said Police bond is given free of charge and pledged to investigate the matter.

However, Tashobya admitted that the Police may request people to pay for fuel for their vehicles in time of scarcity.
 
New Vision has learnt that Kalule lodged a request with the Masaka Armoured Brigade commander for protection.
 
An arbitration meeting between Matojo and Kalule that had been set for February 16 flopped as Kalule declined to show up.

 
Law on idle and disorderly
 
Section 167 of the Penal Code Act criminalises wandering persons, including those gambling or engaged in commercial sex.
 
If arraigned and convicted by court, the charged (prostitutes) face a maximum seven years imprisonment, while other aspects of the offence attract three months in jail or sh3,000 in fine or both.
                 
President Yoweri Museveni has on several occasions called on police to stop arresting people over being idle and disorderly, arguing that the majority of Ugandans are unemployed.
 
In June 2017, the Uganda Police moved to enforce a countrywide ban on detention of suspects over the idle and disorderly charge following the President's appeal.