IGP Ochola warns police commanders, journalists ahead of Bugiri, Sheema by-elections

The Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola have warned police commander and journalists against over their behavior during the forthcoming Sheema, Bugiri and Arua by-elections.

Acts of violence have been registered especially in areas like Bugiri and Sheema municipalities which are set to go for polls on Friday July 27.

In a message to the country, Ochola has ordered police commanders to act professionally while handling security during the elections.

“All unit Commanders must assess threats, deploy adequately and monitor the process to ensure a safe environment for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights of voting for leaders of their choice without fear or intimidation,”Ochola said in his message.

According to the Inspector General of Police, there should be efforts geared towards delivering a crime free election by police working together with sister security agencies.

Arbitrary arrests

Police has on a number of occasions been cited in human rights violations during elections including arrests, intimidation and beating of voters especially from the opposition.

In his message, Ochola has warned police officers against use of force, arbitrary arrests, intimidation and abuse of human rights by elements within the security.

“There are allegations of arbitrary arrests, intimidation and abuse in all forms by elements within the security sector. If it has happened at all, it must be stopped immediately.”

“All police officers must ensure that no abuse whatsoever is occasioned on citizens. Unit Commanders must clearly brief all officers deployed to manage the elections on the guidelines for use of force,”Ochola said.

However, the police boss warns police commanders to investigate anyone who engages in commission of criminal activities during the by-elections.

Journalists

In the message, Ochola warns members of the fourth estate on unprofessional reporting of incidents during the polls.

“Some media houses incite violence through unprofessional and irresponsible reporting. Those that use social media platforms should equally verify information to avoid inciting and spreading violence,” he says.

The police boss also asks the public and candidates to exercise restraint and peace during the by-elections.

“Voting peacefully is a clear sign of political maturity which must be seen this time round. All incidents of violence must be reported early and quickly to the nearest police in your localities for appropriate action,”Ochola adds.