Police station evicted over rent arrears

PIC: Lameck Kigozi, the Masaka deputy regional Police commander and spokesperson. (Credit: Davis Buyondo)

EVICTION

MASAKA- Kabonera police post in Masaka district has been evicted over rent arrears worth sh7m.

The post has occupied the seven-room building for over four years without paying the required rent.

It has been serving communities of Kyamuyimbwa, Kyanjale and Kabonera trading centre in Kabonera sub-county.

Their landlord so far identified as Ssempijja claims to have issued several eviction notices, but the station administrators seemed adamant.

According to Ssempijja, Julius Tulyomwe, the officer in charge of the post, kept convincing him as the money was being processed, but nothing could materialise.

However, the landlord took the matter to Kabonera LCIII chairperson and other local leaders who summoned station administrators in a joint meeting recently.

The meeting resolved that the post administrators hand over the building to Ssempijja.

Still, Ssempijja said he will keep pressing for his money (debt) even after relocating.

Tulyomwe confirmed the eviction. He said residents had promised to contribute some money towards their rent which they did not fulfill.

He said Ssempijja had been patient and that they are currently looking for money and another building to relocate the station.

Authorities say the police post was an idea of residents in the three communities following the increased crimes.

Police to close posts

In a bid to offer improve services, the police force is set to close Police posts in greater Masaka and replace them with well-equipped Police stations in each sub-county.

The region has nine districts; Masaka, Rakai, Kyotera, Sembabule, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Kalangala, Lyantonde and Lwengo. 

The districts have between five and 10 sub-counties with one or two police posts.

The deputy regional Police Commander, Lameck Kigozi, confirmed the arrangement.

The move, he said, is meant to step up their fight against rampant crimes and offer effective services.

He added that already more than five small posts have been closed in Bukomansimbi district and some elevated to stations.

He further appealed to appealed to public to support them in these new developments.

"We began with Bukomansimbi and the arrangements will continue to other districts," he added.