Let's co-operate with the Police

SECURITY | POLICE

By David Deng Chapath

There has been a change in the security sector and in particular, in the hierarchy of the Police command in which the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kale Kayihura and the former security minster, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde were relieved of their duties. 

The removal of the above two officials was as a result of the recent high profile killings in Uganda.

This could have prompted President Yoweri Museveni to make changes in the security sector.

Hence, the removal of Tumukunde and Kayihura saw the appointment of Okoth Ochola as the new IGP and Gen Elly Tumwine as the new security minister. Following the appointment of these two personalities, security operational issues have changed.

In respect to the development in the security operation, I would first like to appreciate the role of the Government and the Police forces for being concerned and ready to provide the security to all people in Uganda. Furthermore, I would also like to add on behalf of all South Sudanese and on my own behalf that we are grateful to the Government of Uganda for protecting our lives as well as guaranteeing our security while living in Uganda.

Nonetheless, it has been said that in society, there are good and bad people. This means that there might be South Sudanese out there who may find themselves in conflict with the law for one reason or the other.

I would, therefore, like to advise South Sudanese residing in Kampala and those who have come for a visit to show respect to the Police. The Police force is there to protect everybody, including the South Sudanese as provided for under the 1995 Constitution.

In case you want to go out at night, carry a valid identity card for easy identification.

However, if the Police mistreat you, you should make formal complaint to the higher authority with clear evidence of mistreatment.

Avoid carrying any dangerous weapons such as knives, machetes and guns, which are outlawed by Ugandan laws.

Carrying those weapons without the authorisation is an offence in Uganda and if found with any is in contravention of the laws of Uganda.  

To my fellow South Sudanese, Uganda is our second home. We must co-operate with security agencies for continued peaceful stay. Let us report any crime taking place around us.

In case of any crime committed against us, let us not take the law into own hands, but report to the Police.

If there is no response from the Police, then we complain to our embassy in Uganda. If there is still no response, we have to make the official complain to the Government of Uganda. If there is still no further response  to our complaints, then we can protest against the inaction of the Government of Uganda to our plights.

The writer can be reached through dengchapath2018@gmail.com