By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Hafusa Nabagala,
NATIONAL
Following the government decision to close down about 1,600 police posts nationwide in a sub-county policing pilot model, there is a growing tension on the security of the people and their properties in areas where this model is being piloted.
Sharon Arach Oyat, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) says that this model creates fears to the populace who may get exposed to criminals.
“This new arrangement causes fear for citizenry because the geographical distance between our villages and sub-counties is long and criminals can easily exploit such loopholes at maximum thus further exposing the lives and property of our people at risk,” Arach said
The closure of police follows president Museveni’s directives the lowest police unit should be at the sub-county level one way of increasing manpower the force against criminals who attack, kill police officers and steal guns at vulnerable police posts.
However, Arach suggests that government should put in place measures such as standby means of transport for police to rapidly respond to emergencies in far reaching areas.
“On several occasions, police lacks fuel, carsa and motor bikes to reach where they are needed and offer real time response. This is critical and may create more challenges or inertia!” She emphasized
Besides, the UPC advises the Uganda Police Force to institute desks and advanced digital technologies to handle case backlogs at sub-counties.
“The volume of cases to be handled by police at sub county level as the starting point are bound to be more and a back log of cases is expected. If this model is to be of effective use, the facilities must be properly expanded to match with the new obligations and responsibilities.” UPC advises
Arach furthermore suggests that; “rapid response police units should be upgraded with technology and fully operationalization of police desks that is more effective to counter the criminals.
