The Inspector General of Police ,Abbas Byakagaba has announced that there’s going to be deployment of marine officers in the Albertine region especially on Lake Albert to ensure the security of the area's oil resources and control terrorism threats from the neighbouring countries.
He made the statement presided while presiding over the pass-out of 52 marine officers from an eight-month maritime induction course at the Police Marine Base in Kigo.
Byakagaba also urged the officers to uphold their duties in safeguarding Uganda's waters and citizens, emphasizing the need for ongoing training, discipline, and professionalism.
“There’s a critical role you play which isn’t played by other forces. Most of us can move to every where on land but if you told me to move on the water , I think you need to prepare me for a very long time . Therefore , you are one of our critical assets and we pledge all support to ensure you safe guard our country” Byakagaba emphasized.
The IGP ,accompanied by other security officials including the Director Crime intelligence AIGP Damulira Christopher , warned the officers against unhealthy behaviors, particularly alcohol misuse and promiscuity, highlighting the threat of HIV.
Police Director of Operations, Senior Commissioner of Police , Frank Mwesigwa re-echoed and stressed the need to control terrorism acts across lake Albert by criminals who cross from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Uganda calling for deployment of these recently passed out marine officers.
“Our oil projects based in Kilenga and King fisher are always attacked , but we believe through these capacitating courses , we will be able to over come them” Mwesigwa stated.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Haji Kirungi Suleiman commended the significant role of instructors with the gist of experience and skills exposed to the trainees at the base.
Uganda is in the preparation for the planned commencement of oil production in a year 2025.
