In This Article

  • Background of Theft Allegations
  • Decision to Terminate Police Contract
  • Enlistment of Private Security Firm
  • Concerns Raised by Deputy Speaker
  • Public Outrage and Calls for Inquiry
  • Implications and Expectations

Key Takeaways

  • Mbale City terminated police contract due to theft allegations and enlisted a private security firm.
  • Valuable items worth millions were stolen from council premises under police watch.
  • Deputy Speaker expressed disappointment in police intervention and lack of progress in the investigation.
  • Private security firm will compensate for losses incurred, contrasting police handling of the situation.
  • Theft allegations have sparked public outrage and calls for an independent inquiry.

In response to a series of thefts involving city property while under police protection, Mbale City Council has taken a bold step by accusing the Uganda Police Force of shielding officers involved and has decided to enlist the services of a private security firm.

The Deputy Speaker, Abdala Magambo, disclosed that the council had raised concerns with the District Police Commander several months ago but received no satisfactory response. Valuable items such as computers, large flat-screen TVs, and a generator worth millions of shillings were reported stolen from council premises while under police watch.

Expressing disappointment in the lack of police intervention, Magambo stated, "We expected Uganda Police to safeguard government property, but instead our assets were stolen under their watch." Consequently, a special council meeting chaired by Magambo, alongside the Town Clerk and Resident City Commissioner, decided to terminate the police security contract and opt for a private security company.

Magambo emphasized that the private security firm would compensate for any losses incurred, contrasting the lack of progress in the police investigation, which has been ongoing for six months. He also raised concerns about accountability, noting that the two police officers responsible for guarding the city property were briefly detained and then released on police bond.

Theft allegations have sparked public outrage, prompting calls for an independent inquiry. While Elgon Region Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed that investigations are underway, details were not disclosed. Civil society organizations and residents have commended the council's swift action and urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure transparency and justice in the matter.

This incident sheds light on concerns regarding impunity and oversight within security agencies, particularly in their interactions with local authorities. The public awaits further developments in the investigation and hopes for a fair resolution to the case.

Tags:

#Accountability #Mbale City #Police collusion #Private security #Theft allegations