Ochola suspends Kasangati DPC over role in land evictions

The Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola has suspended the Kasangati Divisional Police Commander(DPC) Assistant Superintendent of Police Robert Kachumu allegedly for taking a centre stage in land evictions Butaleja district.

In transfers announced on Monday involving 10 DPC Kachumu was among those relieved of their duties pending investigations.

“ASP Robert Kachumu has been transferred from Kasangati to the Professional Standards Unit pending investigations,” read in part a message to all police units.

Woes

Kachumu’s problems date back in April 2015 when he was still the DPC for Butaleja district and he commanded the violent eviction of 5000 rice farmers from a 1500 acre wetland located in Butaleja town council occupying Kakyonga and Mazimasa sub counties.

It is alleged that on the fateful day, two businessmen Malik Koire and Kadri Hifude with the help of policemen and stick –wielding men invaded the disputed land without any court order and evicted the farmers.

Recently, the farmers under Doho-Muhula Out growers Association petitioned the land commission chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire to report the matter accusing several people including the two businessmen, police officers and the RDC of the wrongful eviction.

In July, the land probe summoned Kachumu before quizzing him on the alleged eviction but in response he denied the allegations.

A number of victims narrated the ordeal that led to death of one of their members as others sustained injuries all over their bodies.

Justice Bamugemereire ordered the Professional Standards Unit commander ACP John William Okalany who was also present during the proceedings to take action against the errant officers including Kachumu.

More DPCs transferred

Meanwhile the Monday police transfers have seen more Divisional/District Police Commanders transferred from one area to another.

Superintendent of Police,Baker Ssebwato who has been on a refresher course has been sent to Entebbe as DPC whereas SP Samuel Mission has been transferred from Entebbe to Butaleja as DPC.

SP Alberto Issamat Patrick who has also been on a course has been deployed to Wakiso as DPC to replace SP Justus Tashobya who has been transferred to Nebbi.

The new changes have also seen SP Ayatollah Kapchemuti who has been on a course being deployed as the Kakiri DPC .

ASP Grace Nyangoma has been transferred from Pader to Naggalama as DPC to replace ASP Jesca Naawe who is slated to go for a course whereas ASP Henry Abaho has been transferred from Mukono to Bushenyi as the OC station.

ASP Henry Kisubi has been transferred from Kakiri as DPC to the police Human Resource directorate headquarters at Naguru pending his forthcoming course.