Police deploy tricycles following Nile Post investigation
The Police force has started deploying the tricycles that were purchased in 2017 as part of the measures to fight criminality.
The Nile Post last week carried an investigative story in which it was indicated that nearly three years after their purchase, the tricycles had been grounded the at Namanve police mechanical workshop.
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“They are rotting at the police workshop in Namanve. These tricycles have never been put to use. You can’t know why they were imported,” a police source told this website.
However, the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga told journalists on Monday that of the 100 tricycles purchased in 2017, 13 have so far been deployed.
“So far a total of 13 have been deployed as follows; Police Headquarters Cantonment (03)Counter Terrorism Headquarters (02), Katonga integrated highway [02] , Bushenyi Traffic Office (01) Sheema Traffic Office (01), Magamaga integrated highway (01),Cps integrated highway (01).These have been branded and marked for better micro management and to ensure the respective units are getting the correct utilization of the fleet,”Enanga told journalists during the Monday weekly press briefing.
“We are receiving reports of increased visibility and versatility to community policing and patrols programs in the deployed areas,”
He said the remaining 87 tricycle bikes are being branded as well for distribution to help police carryout their job.
Police defends purchase
Following their purchase and launch, the public came out to criticize the police for entering such a deal that many argued that the tricycles could not beat traffic jam which is a common occurrence in Kampala and this rendered them not useful.
https://nilepost.co.ug/2019/01/30/3-years-later-police-tricycles-that-cost-tax-payers-billions-are-stuck/
However, the police spokesperson defended the purchase and deployment of the tricycles stressing that indeed they were designed for patrols and can do the job well.
“As you are aware, it was indicated during the launch in 2017 that the tricycle bikes were designed for patrols where users consequently jump in and out of the vehicles. They possess features that offer better stability, can travel in reverse and turn a very light radius, carry three people and can be used in high profile urban and rural settings where larger vehicles cannot maneuver.Plans to fix sirens are underway,”Enanga said.
He however said it is not true that the tricycles are grounded at Namanve .
We call upon the public to alert management if they see any patrol units being operated in an unsafe manner or doing something illegal.
The police recently defended the purchase of the tricycles saying they are cheaper to maintain than the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series that police uses as patrol cars that consume more fuel and can’t reach some areas.
