UPC tasks security on rampant kidnaps, murders
May 24, 2018
On Tuesday, three people, including two toddlers were reportedly killed and two others still missing in what is believed to be a continuation of the kidnaps and murders.
PIC: Some of the UPC party members at one of the conferences. (File photo)
SECURITY
KAMPALA - Uganda People's Congress (UPC) has tasked Government security agencies, especially the Police to step up efforts and protect women and children countrywide.
The party national chairman, Lawrence Okae said they are dissatisfied by the way Government is responding to the rampant murders and kidnaps of children and women.
"The current situation of the endless kidnaps and murders, oppression, violation of human rights and extortions doesn't reflect the security President Yoweri Museveni boasts about," he said.
On Tuesday, three people, including two toddlers were reportedly killed and two others still missing in what is believed to be a continuation of the kidnaps and murders that have gripped the country since July last year.
Over 30 women have been murdered since July last year in areas of Wakiso and Kampala alone; yet more women have continued to be kidnapped and killed in the same gruesome manner since February this year.
"The dreadful killings and abductions that are happening against innocent children, women and men in our own towns and villages are appalling and we urge Government to pay more attention to people's needs, especially security," Okae said.
Okae was addressing the party's weekly presser at the party headquarters at Uganda House in Kampala on Wednesday.
He said Government should provide all the necessary resources to strengthen the intelligence system, criminal intelligence arm and the general security of the country, to bring the criminals to justice.
Okae also blamed the high unemployment rates in the country as one of the thing which might be partly the cause of the high crime rate.
"The unemployed youth can turn to crime to make money. They believe that when they kidnap the rich, they will share in the richness of the rich by getting their own cut," he said.
He stressed that Government needs to focus at creating more employment in the coming budget.
However, when contacted, the police deputy spokesperson, Patrick Onyango said a number of suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnaps and killings and investigations are still ongoing.
He noted that police have tried to provide security to all the citizenry though there are still a few challenges in averting crime.
"It remains top on our agenda to ensure that all people are safe and we advise women to take precautions as we handle this issue," Onyango added.
He advised parents to take care of children and women, to avoid moving alone late in the night and always report any suspicious people.
"Government is also in the process of acquiring and installing CCTV cameras in various parts of the country to improve security and ease investigations in cases where women and any other citizens are victims of crime," he said.
Meanwhile, Okae announced that on Friday, UPC will join in spirit the rest of Africa to celebrate Africa Freedom Day.