Kampala police commanders complete refresher course as opposition gears for 'Kogikuteko' protests

A total of 18 District Police Commanders from various areas making up Kampala Metropolitan policing  were on Tuesday passed out at Kigo Marine Base.

The training followed a directive to have all police officers in Kampala undergo refresher courses in preparation for anticipated  demonstrations by opposition politicians  following the passing of the age limit bill and its subsequent signing into law.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the week long course for commander, Kampala Metropolitan commander Frank Mwesigwa warned them against use of excessive force in quelling riots and demonstrations.

"There is a lot of  public expectation   in terms of good  conduct,discipline and professionalism from officers,"Mwesigwa said.

He however warned opposition politicians to expect the worst this time when they dare to stage demonstrations in the city centre.

"We are not in anyway ready to give a soft landing for individuals who have always been and are still planning to destabilise our areas. Our role is to pacify Kampala and its surroundings," Mwesigwa warned.

The police commanders  were taken through theoretical and  practical skills in  time management,decision making,endurance,honesty,tactical mindset,general discipline and customer care lessons.

The course was also aimed at improving the relationship between commanders and their juniors.

Speaking during a function to pass out over 200 police officers at Kigo last month, Gen.Kayihura ordered all police officers in Kampala metropolitan area including commanders to undergo refresher courses in a bid to brace them in case of worst scenarios.

"We should prepare for a  resurgence in protests.The defiance campaign  was meant to stop elections by making the country ungovernable. We stopped them,"Kayihura said on December 24th at Kigo.

"They have not stopped.We have to prepare for them. "

Speaking at his office along Katonga road in Kampala on December 22, after the passing of the age limit bill, opposition strongman Dr.Kizza Besigye revealed that they would start activities aimed at restoring the constitution that he said had been finally overthrown.

"Starting January 9th, we shall kick off our campaign to restore the constitution. We shall offer our leadership duty which is necessary to take forward the campaign, "Besigye said.