Updated at 15044 EAT on Thursday 4th August 2022.

Officers at Kikaaya police post in Kawempe Division are on the spot for allegedly carrying firearms to bars and other entertainment spots where they threaten residents.  

The matter came up during a security meeting convened by the Kira-Road Division police commander Geoffrey Ssebuyungo in Kikulu Zone on Wednesday. 

Without mentioning names, some residents pointed accusing fingers at officers led by ASP Ian Natukunda for carrying firearms to bars and other entertainment spots. The meeting was prompted by increased cases of burglaries and machete attacks by gangs from Kyebando, Kisalosalo, Nsoba, and Kamwokya Kyamuka zones targeting travellers on the Northern bypass.

Ismail Bukenya, the LC I chairperson of Kikikulu zone, informed the DPC that his officers no longer carry out routine night operations to eliminate the emerging criminal gangs but are rather found drunk with their guns in bars.   

“Mr DPC, we have groups of thugs that are terrorizing us almost every two weeks, but some of the area officers you gave us are drunk 24 hours, I will not mention anyone but give us your contacts we shall be sending their pictures, once you talk to them as a leader, they threaten you. What should we do?” Bukenya asked.

Raymond Kagga, the area deference secretary, said some of the indisciplines officers who engage in such acts are the reasons why there has been no effective community policing that is being advocated for.  

“We don’t have information flow between our people and the police because our people look at police officers as their enemies. How you can deal with someone who is found fighting in bars or threatening people?” Kagga asked. 

Other residents led by Joseph Mukwaya, said criminal gangs move with sharp knives, stones, and pavers to stage attacks in dark spots. The security meeting resolved to suspend the operations of all bars beyond midnight. Kagga also promised to tighten security to fight crime in the area.

But the DPC urged the local leaders and the residents to embrace community policing and promised to carry out investigations into the allegations levelled against his officers before effecting changes in deployments.

Apart from Kawempe, Kasangati, and Nansana, violent robberies have also been witnessed in Mukono, Kira town council, and Kajansi Township in Wakiso district. Thugs have also been erecting roadblocks and robbing unsuspected motorists within these areas.