AIDS Depleting Police Force, Says Katumba

John Thawite and John Nzinjah The Police force is being depleted of useful personnel by the AIDS scourge, the Inspector-General has warned. Maj. Gen. Katumba Wamala who was addressing Police officers in Kasese district yesterday, said, “I do not advocate for the so-called protection using condoms. The only way to avoid the scourge is to live a responsible life as a spouse and parents,” he said. Wamala said the number of officers losing their lives in the line of duty is minimal compared to those who die of AIDS. Katumba, who was in the district to familiarise himself with Police problems, said everyday, Police vehicles carry dead cops from one place to another. He said the temptation of having sex often overpowers the use of condoms to the extent that sometimes one may forget the condom in the pocket only to find it the next day after the deadly act. Wamala, who later toured the Police barracks in Kasese town, criticised the appaling sanitary conditions there. He was conducted around the barracks by the Kasese District Police Commander, Pius Mutabazi, who said the sewage system had collapsed. Katumba was throughout the tour forced to jump over ridges caused by the sewage breakdown in the barracks. Ends