Kayihura orders burglar proofing of police post counters
The Inspector General of Police-IGP, Kale Kayihura has ordered all Police Commanders to burglar proof police counters to protect the officers manning them. This follows multiple attacks targeting officers manning the counters.
The latest incident occurred at Mponye Police post in Makindye division in Kampala about three months ago when unidentified thugs hacked an officer manning the counter and made off with his gun.
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In April this year, 14 armed thugs raided Kween Police Post in Kween district leading to a gunfire exchange, which claimed the lives of five people including a police officer, Sergeant Emmanuel Totwala.
The thugs made off with five guns. On March 06, 2016, unidentified gunmen stormed Kapchorwa central police station and shot dead one policeman before making off with 3 guns and 90 rounds of ammunition. In April 2015, suspected members of the Bad Boys 13 aka B13 gang raided Kasana police station in Luweero district.
They stabbed one of officer, Geoffrey Bala to death and injured Sergeant Sarah Achan critically. According to Kayihura, there is need to protect the officers manning police counters just like bank tellers.
"By becoming a pro people police force, some criminals have taken advantage of it and are now accessing the police stations whenever they want putting our officers at the counters in danger," Kayihura said while addressing commanders from Kampala Metropolitan police area recently.
According to Kayihura, the order takes immediate effect beginning with the Kampala Metropolitan area, which comprises of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and part of Mpigi district. Kayihura has tasked the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander; Frank Mwesigwa to ensure the directive is implemented without delay.
The police counters hold files of cases, lock up records as well as the belongings of suspects recovered during arrest. Ideally two armed officers man the counter at all times unless there is a shortage in manpower. At some police station and police posts where there is limited infrastructure and space, a metallic box armory is kept behind the counters.
