The State minister for Internal Affairs, General David Muhoozi, has revealed that the recent merger of vulnerable smaller police posts and booths into sizeable units was intended to strengthen the efficiency of small posts by merging them with bigger ones.
In his report tabled to parliament on Wednesday 30, General Muhoozi noted that up to 12 cases of attacks on police posts were recorded and 16 guns were stolen.
He told the House that security has so far recovered 10 rifles, arrested 22 culprits and 3 assailants put out of action.
The report revealed that whereas some attacks were conducted by purely unknown assailants, some were conducted in connivance with persons within the police force.
“He added that operations are still ongoing to apprehend the culprits still at large and to recover the remaining few weapons.”
To avert further attacks, Minister Muhoozi said Police have merged vulnerable smaller police posts and booths into sizeable units to improve operational efficiency and force protection.
“Merging vulnerable smaller police posts and booths into sizeable units was to improve operational efficiency and force protection,” he said.
He said there has been a re-organisation of operations of the force to prevent any future attacks on the force.
“There is better organisation of security installations; access controls, front desk staff and invisible reaction groups/persons have been re-designated,” Muhoozi said.
Muhoozi further said that a team of senior officers headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police has traversed the affected police regions to re-access security vigilance and alertness on duty.
Some of the affected police posts include Busiika which was attacked and set ablaze on 31 October 2022; three officers were killed and two guns were stolen. Others include Wakiso new market post, Busunju post, Kyanja Kensington, Buwama town and Nakulabye police posts.
Members of Parliament had expressed concern over the attacks on police posts.
MPs said the ministry must conduct a thorough assessment of officers in and out of service with keen attention on veterans. Legislators claimed since veterans are living with guns and in unpleasant conditions, they are likely to indulge in such acts.
“Veterans are disgruntled people, they have grudges, they are struggling, we don’t have a specific program for them, they are the people that have touched the gun and can steal guns from police forces,” said Rosemary Nyakikongoro (NRM, Sheema district).
Hon. Eddie Kwizera Wa-Gahungu (NRM, Bukimbiri County), asked the internal affairs ministry to review the remuneration package for veterans, cognizant of their current condition which he said may push them to indulge in acts such as raids on police posts.
Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West), said the rampant raids could be a result of negligent officers and criticized those he said excessively consume alcohol while on duty.
“Some of the police officers are lazy, some drink from morning to evening, maybe that’s why assailants take advantage of them,” said Ssewungu.
He proposed training for those who have been in the force for a long saying they lack the competence to deal with emerging security issues.
Ssewungu reechoed his earlier plea for the ministry to reconsider the merging of police posts.
“There are those that were far from the main police station in the district, merging of such posts is unfair,” said Ssewungu.
