Police officers could miss meals over sh30b debt

KAMPALA- Contractors enlisted to supply food items to the Uganda Police have given the force an ultimatum of 14 days to clear unpaid arrears dating back to 2016.

The suppliers are former crime preventers who got the catering supply deal in 2016 during the general election. About 290 contractors supply maize and beans to the force.

Badru Kisitu the leader of the suppliers' association said at a meeting in Kampala on Tuesday that they had not been paid for the supplies made over the last three years.

Some of the major suppliers of food to the Uganda Police Force during a press conference at Rock Gardens at Speke Hotel in Kampala. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Kisitu said the group had agreed to halt supply of food to the Police if they do not receive payment for outstanding arrears amounting to over sh30b.

"We have given Police 14 days to pay us or else we will stop all deliveries of food to the force. In the meantime, we are exhausting all avenues to resolve the matter amicably," Kisitu said.

The suppliers said they would petition the Speaker of Parliament over their claims, on account that Parliament had refused to approve Police budget requests for clearing old debts.