The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has officially assumed office at a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Internal Affairs Gen . Kahinda Otaffire . He vowed to use technology to advance Uganda’s policing methods to fight crime .
Deputy IGP James Ochaya also took over office from Maj.Gen Tumusiime Katsigazi who was sent back to UPDF for redeployment.
Backing on his experience as commander of counter terrorism directorate in the police force before he was appointed IGP, Byakagaba said that he will restore acquisition of anti -crime infrastructure like CCTV cameras, increase the use of forensic science , equip the CID ,counter terrorism directorates to effectively deal with the increased crime especially in the cities and urban centers.
“Sir am very confident that me and my team will deliver from the lowest rank of constable up to the top .I want to give assurance that we shall work together and change our mind set and deliver to the expectations of the people,” Byakaga stated as he took over office.
“I’m going to emphasise training. Everyone must know why he/she is in police. We will identify people who can do the work and place them in positions that will make the force perform better . Police must become a complete vehicle ready to move,” he said.
Byakagaba also promised to re-l establish police schools to help children of the police officers get quality education.
Gen. Otaffire advised the new police commander not to have fighting battles with the leaders of the opposition but rather to guide them to follow lawful orders.
“Don’t allow them (opposition) to go our schools, markets but taken them to play grounds and allow them do their activities in a secure environment . The opposition should also not fight with the police ,” he guided .
Gen David Muhoozi urged new IGP to fight corruption which is still evident in the force. “The president appointed you to head the force so don’t disappoint him. Make sure you wipe out corruption in police.
The out going DIGP, General Katsigazi, hughlighted numerous challenges that the new police bosses have to deal with rather urgently . These he said included inadequate budget for the Uganda police Force which leaves men and women in the unform to feed on one meal a day , an old fleet of vehicles for operations and a shortfall in the human resource to offer adequate policing across the country .
“We are recruiting the new officers not to add on human resource but to replace those who deserted due to poor living conditions. The police uses old vehicles which can not handle speedy operations.
“Police vehicles are as old as of 2015. Police need new vehicles to handle speedy operations. A police patrol car can not have three litres of fuel a day. These officers get one meal a day and you can not send them for operations on empty stomach, “Gen Katsigazi stated adding that there is indiscipline in the force and poor barracks administration.
