Police procure sh2.6b boats to patrol Lake Victoria waters

By Michael Odeng and Samuel Balagadde

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura has urged marine police officers to intensify the hunt for criminals and prevent illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.

Kayihura was speaking during the commissioning of surveillance boats procured by the Police at sh2.6b recently at Kigo along the shores of Lake Victoria. He also urged the Police to control boat accidents.

One of the four surveillance boats procured during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) capsized at Migingo Island, leaving one police officer dead.

The insurer, National Insurance Corporation (NIC) compensated the Police. The Force then used the compensation package to procure two new vessels at sh2.6b.

The IGP said procurement of these boats was through open and competitive bidding. He said the successful bidder and supplier, Tecnav Ltd, is an internationally accredited company with vast experience in the maritime industry and that he was optimistic that the vessels will serve the police force well and for long.

The boats are powered by twin Yamaha 300 horsepower four-stroke motors enabling a top speed of 80km per hour. They have a sitting room, kitchen, shower, twin bed, toilet facilities and can carry six passengers.

Kayihura said acquisition of these vessels will facilitate surveillance of Lake Victoria and other navigable waters to crack down on rampant smuggling and theft on the lake.

“Wanted criminals are known to hide on many of the islands on Lake Victoria. With these new surveillance boats, the Marine Police will be in position to monitor and arrest them,’ said Kayihura.

Carmelo Stracuzzi, the Tecnav managing director, said the vessels comply with modern safety requirements as prescribed by the International Maritime Organisation.

Six marine navigation and operation officers trained by experts from the US were recently passed out at the Police Training School. They were awarded certificates.

They include ASP Francis Ocen, Castro Ekwaru, Samson Aluyoku, Ayub Musiiho, Edward Mugwere and Gerald Kato.

 James Apora, the Marine Police commandant said equipping them with more vessels will lead to increased enforcement on the lakes to enhance security and control malpractices on water bodies.

 Kayihura also demanded that the marine police put in place a system of operation and maintenance so that the standard of the marine facilities can be maintained.

He also promised to rehabilitate old marines. “Boats capsize and sink because of poor maintenance,” he said.

 Kayihura also pledged to set up coast guards in order for marine professionals to get careers in law enforcement and mechanical engineering using the latest technologies and research initiatives.