Museveni directs Gen Muhoozi to oversee installation of digital trackers in cars, motorcycles

President Museveni has directed the newly appointed State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi to oversee the installation of digital trackers in all vehicles and motorcycles in the country.

Addressing the country on Thursday in relation to security, the president said government is still on course with implementation of the 12 program aimed at beefing up the security of the country.

He noted that a portion of the budget has been set aside to fund this cause.

“Every vehicle and motorcycle must have a centralized digital monitor. If you try to remove it, we shall go for you. It will show us where you are at any one time. As soon as there is a crime, we go. I don't want any wasting time in investigations,” Museveni said on Thursday.

“I have told Gen David Muhoozi to check what has happened to that plan. We would not be wasting time on who was there.”

According to the president, the digital monitors will not be used to abuse people’s privacy but noted they would be come in handy in case of a crime that security will trace all vehicles and boda bodas who were in the vicinity of the crime scene.

“The digital monitor will show us where you are. We are not interested in your clandestine activities. As soon there is crime, we wouldn’t be wasting time to investigate,” he said.

President Museveni noted that other technical capabilities like CCTV cameras, gun fingerprinting and use of forensics will greatly help the country in the fight against criminality.

“In budget we have put money for technical means like cameras. Once police wakes up and uses them , you will see how they will  help us fight crime.”

Following the rampant shootings of prominent persons like Maj Muhammad Kiggundu, AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, Joan Kagezi and ASP Muhammad Kirumira by unknown assailants travelling on motorbikes, President Museveni in 2018 directed a robust means to end these shootings.

He directed the installation of CCTV cameras, fingerprinting of guns, installation of digital trackers in vehicles and motorcycles to help police in fighting criminality.

The installation of CCTV cameras in major towns, cities and highways is almost complete, whereas gun fingerprinting is also on course.

Police also constructed a modern CCTV command centre at Naguru, whereas construction of a modern forensic laboratory is also ongoing at Kikandwa in Wakiso district.