Ochola Warns Commanders Against Concealing Crimes Committed by Junior Officers

The Inspector General of Police, Martin Ochola, has warned commanders against concealing their colleagues involved in crimes. 

Ochola through the Director of Human Resource Management Assistant Inspector General of Police- AIGP Jesse Kamunanwire, says that there is increasing laxity by unit commanders not promptly informing the force headquarters about the crimes and misconduct by their juniors.

“Police management has noted with concern that there is laxity by some Unit Commanders who fail to promptly inform Headquarters about Police Personnel who commit criminal and disciplinary offences,” Ochola said.

Last week alone, three police officers were dismissed from the force after they attempted to kill their colleagues or civilians.

Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, identified the dismissed officers as Detective Constable Moses Bwire Mangeni 27, who was dismissed on two counts of discreditable conduct and attempted murder, Police Constable Tyson Kutosi.

Bwire had requested the keys to the police motorcycle, so as to travel to his home village in Busia district, but was denied the motorcycle, which was the only transport at Namugongo Police Post in Kaliro.

“This angered the suspect and he picked a hoe, and hacked PC Kutosi, inflicting injuries on him. Immediately after, he picked up a gun with 30 rounds and fired all the bullets. Several bullet holes were found in the room of the OC post,” Enanga said.

Another policeman who was dismissed is Corporal Ambrose Katumwehe, 57,  attached to Kanekye Police Post, Kashozi division, with threatening violence, against Nakyanzi Caroline, a barmaid in Kanekye trading centre.

“Katumwehe while in a drunken state, and armed with a gun, threatened to fire bullets at the victim’s door, if she failed to open it.  Shortly after, he fired three bullets at her door, which prompted an alarm. The suspect returned to his post and was arrested by the DPC and team. The fun was recovered, cartridges and exhibited. He was charged with Attempted Murder and threatening violence,” Enanga said.

Police commanders have been tasked to always promptly inform the Inspector General of Police when police officers are involved in criminal or disciplinary offences and actions taken by superiors.

“This should be followed immediately with reports to the Inspector General of Police for interdiction, suspension or any other appropriate action taken against such personnel as stipulated in the Police Act Cap 303,” IGP said.

Reports regarding police officers' crimes and misconduct, Ochola has ordered that they should be submitted to police headquarters as soon as the cases are concluded for further administrative action.

Ochola has also directed that monthly nominal rolls should always indicate the officers on interdiction and suspension. All Units commanders who will not comply, Ochola, has promised dire consequences.