Museveni grills Muhwezi, Police ICT boss over CCTVs, digital car plates

The exchange occurred during the closing ceremony of the first annual meeting of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Crime Investigations Division at the CID headquarters in Kibuli.

Security minister Jim Muhwezi and Police director for ICT Felix Baryamwisaki on Thursday had a torrid time responding to queries from President Museveni about CCTV cameras and digital number plate projects.

The exchange occurred during the closing ceremony of the first annual meeting of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Crime Investigations Division at the CID headquarters in Kibuli.

Museveni, highlighting the importance of forensic and technical intelligence in solving serious crimes such as murder and rape, asked Baryamwisaki to clarify issues regarding the CCTV cameras.

"Remember in 2018 when I made that speech in Parliament and insisted on introducing cameras on the roads? You have seen how much they have helped you (CID)," Museveni said.

"I was told the project was not implemented well and there were problems. Baryamwisaki, what are the problems with the cameras? Please come and tell us."

When Assistant Inspector General of Police Baryamwisaki took to the podium, he initially assured the President that there were no problems with the cameras.

However, Mr Museveni pressed on, stating that he had been informed otherwise.

"Someone told me the cameras can only see during the day, but crime is not committed only during the day. What is happening with the cameras?" he pushed, even apologising for making the "whole police director" go back and forth to answer his questions.

Mr Baryamwisaki explained that the CCTV project, which he acknowledged as President Museveni’s initiative, had faced some challenges.

"Your Excellency, we very well know that project was your baby, and we did it very well," he said before Mr Museveni interjected, asking, "Wasn't there something like that? Cameras not working at night?"

Mr Baryamwisaki admitted there had been some issues with the project but insisted that the situation was now under control.

"We implemented the project very well, and every Ugandan was very excited. We did good work, but later there were a few mishaps," he stated.

When pressed by the President about the nature of these mishaps, he said they were related to management issues.

"This has been solved, and now we are back online and operating well. The problem made the system go back up to 60%. Currently, we are operating at 91%," he said.

Mr Museveni, still not entirely convinced, asked for further clarification: "How have you solved the problem of not capturing images by night?"

Mr Baryamwisaki responded that the police had collaborated with municipal and city authorities to install street lights, enhancing the cameras' effectiveness at night.

"The upcountry small towns still remain a problem, but leaders there have realized how these cameras support them and are considering installing street lights in trading centers," the ICT director said.

Digital number plates

The discussion then shifted to the digital number plate project. Museveni asked Baryamwisaki about the progress, prompting the Police ICT Director to refer the matter to the Ministry of Security.

"Your Excellency, the digital number plate project is under the Ministry of Security, and as police, we are stakeholders," he explained.

Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, the Security minister, was then called to the podium to provide an update.

He reassured the President that the digital number plate project was "back on course."

"It is true my ministry and the Ministry of Works are in charge of this project, but we are working with all other agencies, including the police," Muhwezi said.

Museveni, seeking to understand the technology behind the project, asked, "How is the science? Is it accurate?" Muhwezi explained,

"The science of digital numbers is easy. Recently, a police car was stolen and driven to Kenya. It was recovered because of these digital number plates."

Satisfied with the explanation, Mr Museveni expressed his approval but inquired further about the challenges that had plagued the project.

Minister Muhwezi admitted there had been issues but assured the president that they had been resolved.

"There was a problem, but yesterday there was a meeting, and now the investor is ready to roll it out completely," he said.

The exchange highlights ongoing efforts and challenges in implementing key security initiatives in Uganda, with the President's insistence on accountability and transparency indicating a continued push for efficiency in law enforcement operations.