Police say transfer of Hoima DPC hours to parliamentary polls was normal procedure

The Police force has defended its decision to transfer the Hoima District Police Commander, Christopher Katumba, a few hours to the district Woman Member of Parliament elections.

Katumba was in a September 25 message by the Police Human Resource Director, Col.Jesse Kamunanwire transferred to the Environmental Protection Police Unit and replaced by Martin Okoyo who has been the Mubende District Police Commander.

In a statement on Thursday morning, Police spokesperson, Fred Eananga said the allegations on social media that the DPC was moved due to police influence are baseless and unfounded.

“We would wish to inform the public, that the institution has a policy framework in place for transfers and postings of police officers to various posts. As such, a placement committee, whose end goal is to appraise and monitor the performance of all officers, whether competent or incompetent, was set up, to ensure all transfers and postings, are transparent and merit-based,” Enanga said .

The police mouthpiece explained that the placement committee put in place works independently and looks at civil service values and code of ethics and conduct before recommending for transfers of officers.

“It is a prerogative of the placement committee, which should not be circumvented citing political influence. The by-elections taking place in Hoima and Kabong are isolated policing events, out of the wider initiatives in place. They are being policed, based on a policing plan and not tagged to an individual. So far, the polling exercise is progressing well in both electoral areas, without any significant crime and safety concerns.”

Katumba’s transfer to the Environmental Protection Police Unit came, only hours to the highly contested district woman MP polls to replace the seat that fell vacant after the incumbent MP Tophas Kaahwa resigned her post to stand for a similar post in the newly created Kikuube district.