IGP Martin Okoth Ochola (right) and his deputy Sabiiti Muzeeyi. (File photo)

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY | SECURITY

KAMPALA - Ugandans have been asked to continue working closely with the Police and other security agencies during the festive season to easily help in detecting and fighting off any intended crime.

In his Christmas message, the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola, said that as Ugandans ready themselves to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year, they need to be mindful of opportunistic criminals "who would wish to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to rob or steal what you have worked for throughout the year".

Ochola commended the public for their increased level of co-operation, especially the local councils and volunteers, who have continuously supported law enforcement by reporting anyone involved in crime or suspected criminals.

“We are further asking the public to play their part to keep themselves and everyone safe by following the crime prevention and safety tips,” he added in his statement read on his behalf by deputy Police spokesperson Polly Namaye on Monday.

Police ready

The IGP said Police is ready and committed to continue dealing with crime during the festive season, adding that throughout the year, several selected  incidents of violent crimes, which had created fear in the public, were registered.

“But we worked tirelessly throughout the year, after adopting several strategies and initiatives that helped crack down on the violent crimes of murder by shooting, aggravated robberies and kidnappings to mention a few,” Ochola said.

He cited some of the strategies used by Police to deal with crime including; an expansive crime prevention initiative, response effectiveness through community outreaches, crime mapping and data collection, efficient resource allocation, hotspot policing where violent crime is concentrated, problem-oriented policing, use of new technologies like CCTV surveillance, DNA fingerprinting of guns, and automated fingerprint analysis.

On Monday, deputy Police spokesperson Polly Namaye delivered IGP Okoth Ochola's festive season message

Ochola said Police also improved on how to conduct intelligence and investigations, recruited more Police officers to enhance manpower-intensive practices such as patrols and visibility; and also profiling and pursuing known repeat criminals.

“We plan to continue with our operational activities in the New Year, with a focus on serious and dangerous criminals, who undermine the safety of Ugandans and visitors to our country. Our intensified operations in the third quarter of this year ensured that very dangerous suspects who were behind the violent murders of boda-boda riders, mobile money dealers and innocent civilians were arrested and charged to court,” he noted.

He underlined that several sting operations to tackle the growing problem of dealers in suspected stolen properties, particularly of mobile phones, motorcycles, other electronic gadgets and theft of utilities such as pylons, cables and pipes were also conducted.

Commend other security agencies

Ochola, however, said the many positive results achieved were entirely due to the collaborative and strategic alliances made with other sister security agencies such as the UPDF, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and External Security Organisation (ESO) and other partners under the criminal justice system.

“We thank them all and we pledge to continue the excellent work together, which points to a stronger future in our policing. We are going to support this work and direct more resources in fighting such criminals,” he added.

The IGP noted that, so far, the festive month of December has been generally peaceful because they managed to counter and disrupt the advance preparations of criminals early enough.

“Finally, as we come to the end of 2019, I would like to take this opportunity on my own behalf and on behalf of entire Police fraternity, to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020.

"The festive season is all about thanksgiving and rejoicing, where many families and communities come together to celebrate. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” he added.


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