The public must help the Police do a good job

Feb 25, 2010

THE Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Kale Kayihura deserves appreciation for his dedication to improve the Uganda Police. For a long time, the Police has been associated with evils. Kayihura’s combination of military and law skills have proved he is the best choice for the force.

By Christopher Omara

THE Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Kale Kayihura deserves appreciation for his dedication to improve the Uganda Police. For a long time, the Police has been associated with evils. Kayihura’s combination of military and law skills have proved he is the best choice for the force.

His radical initiatives in resource mobilisation, motivation and public engagements have helped people understand better the force’s vision and mission.

The reorganisation of the force and re-orientation of officers who joined the force more than two decades ago, is creating positive impact in terms of the relationship with the civilian population and the Police professional conduct. The transfers, trainings and refreshers courses for Police officers have started bearing fruits across the country, especially in Gulu district.

Since 2007, there has been a steady improvement in community policing, declined issues of corruption involving traffic police, quick response to civilian complaints, decline in extortion of money from the public, fewer people are detained in ungazetted areas because now there are Police posts in all the sub-counties and trading centres in Gulu.

The Police spokesperson, Judith Nabakooba and the regional police spokespersons have been very instrumental in informing the public on almost all important matters of public interest involving the Police.

Our communities are impressed by the way Kayihura handles the cases of misconduct in the force. However, the Inspector General should weed out all errant Policemen whose behaviour violate the Police code of conduct.

It is upon the Government and Parliament to ensure the Police are equipped and well facilitated to execute their duties. The Police still require specialised trainings in the criminal investigation department and administration. The special police constables equally need to be better trained and equipped in the face of new challenges facing the country.

I urge citizens to support the Police in their work. The Police need citizen cooperation and active engagement to help them deliver the quality services we all need.

The writer is the former regional district commander, Pader, Aswa County, Gulu district

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