Kayihura orders police to intensify night patrols

Aug 25, 2014

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen Kale Kayihura has ordered Kampala police bosses to intensify night patrols on grounds that crime in the city is on the rise

By Clare Muhindo

 

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen Kale Kayihura has ordered Kampala police bosses to intensify night patrols on grounds that crime in the city is on the rise.

 

Kayihura said his decision was informed by recognition that there were few night patrols, despite the countless number of police pickups and motorcycles.

 

“With night patrols, you can be able to help those who are attacked in the night by armed robbers, pick pockets, rapists, and murderers. For example, due to the escalating crimes on the Northern Bypass, we intensified night patrols which have improved security on those roads,” said Kayihura.

 

The police Chief made the remarks during an anti-crime fundraising initiative launched at Imperial Royale Hotel, in Kampala.

 

While giving his speech, Kayihura subsequently ordered Kampala police bosses to walk to the podium, and pledge to intensify night patrols in the city and nip crime in the bud.

 

Police commanders who were asked to make the vow included Kampala North regional commander, Steven Tanui, Kampala Central police chief, James Ruhweza and Siraje Bakaleke, the Kampala East regional commander.

 

The trio pledged to intensify night patrols and reduce crime at night within the shortest time possible.

 

Similarly, corporate bodies and individuals under their umbrella body, the Crime Prevention Coalition of Uganda (CPCU) launched an initiative to construct business incubation centres across the country to equip youth with entrepreneurship skills, and divert them from crime.

 

The members of the coalition, senior citizens in a joint statement said they believe that the youth can be diverted from crime into gainful employment by equipping them with hands-on skills to subsequently start their own income generating activities.

 

Augustus Ceasor Mulenga, the Chairperson of the coalition, they would construct five incubation centres in in the five regions of the Uganda, namely; western, eastern, central, northern and Karamoja.

 

“These centres will train volunteers in community policing as well as engage them in income generating activities. Unemployment and poverty are a major cause of crime among the youth,” said Mulenga.

 

At the dinner, the coalition raised sh150m that will go towards the construction of the centres. 

 

However, Mulenga said a larger portion of the bills of constructing the centres will be footed by residents. He urged residents to donate land and other construction materials for the centres.

 

“The centre for Western Uganda has already been established in Masindi Police Barracks, where police donated the land and the buildings. Centres in the North, East, central and Karamoja will be constructed after getting land,” he said. 

 

The sh150m, he said would just supplement on the efforts of the residents.

 

Among others, the Ruparelia Group donated sh16m, the National Forestry authority contributed sh10m, Kayihura gave sh1.5m, and a lady only identified as Diana Rose contributed sh7m. Orange Telecom offered ten phones for the initiative.

 

Mulenga said that part of the money collected would also be used for the purchase of uniforms for 100,000 participants in community policing as well as cater for their training, welfare and graduation costs.

 

Owing to their efforts in fighting crime, some individuals were given awards by the coalition. 

 

Some of the awardees were Kayihura, Kampala Metropolitan police chief Andrew Felix Kaweesi, former IGP, Cossy Odomel, the Djibouti Consul to Uganda, Cyrus Majambele and MP Maj Herbert Muramagi.

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