IGP Warns Commanders Against Hiding Officers’ Crimes

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Inspector General of Police, Martin Ochola, has issued a stern warning to commanders regarding the concealment of colleagues involved in criminal activities.

Ochola, through Assistant Inspector General of Police- AIGP Jesse Kamunanwire, the Director of Human Resource Management, expressed concern over a growing trend of unit commanders failing to promptly report crimes and misconduct by their subordinates to police headquarters.

Ochola stated, “Police management has observed with deep concern the negligence of some Unit Commanders who neglect to promptly inform Headquarters about Police Personnel involved in criminal and disciplinary offenses.”

Just last week, three police officers were dismissed from the force due to their involvement in attempts to harm fellow officers or civilians. The dismissed officers include Detective Constable Moses Bwire Mangeni, aged 27, who faced dismissal on charges of discreditable conduct and attempted murder. He had requested the keys to a police motorcycle for a trip to his home village in Busia district but was denied. In response, he became agitated, attacked Police Constable Tyson Kutosi with a hoe, and later discharged all 30 rounds from a firearm in the OC post.

Another officer dismissed was Corporal Ambrose Katumwehe, aged 57, from Kanekye Police Post, Kashozi division, who was charged with threatening violence against Nakyanzi Caroline, a barmaid in Kanekye trading center. In a drunken state, Katumwehe threatened to open fire on Caroline’s door and later fired three shots, leading to his arrest.

Ochola emphasized that police commanders must promptly report any criminal or disciplinary offenses involving police officers to the Inspector General of Police for interdiction, suspension, or appropriate action in accordance with the Police Act Cap 303. He also mandated that reports on police officers’ crimes and misconduct should be submitted to police headquarters once cases are concluded for further administrative action.

Additionally, Ochola directed that monthly nominal rolls must clearly indicate officers on interdiction and suspension. He warned that commanders failing to comply with these directives would face severe consequences.

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