Minister criticises police brutality

KAMPALA.

The State minister for Internal Affairs has asked police to accept public criticism over the latest charges of brutality against citizens and assess themselves.

Mr Mario Obiga Kania, while speaking during the pass out of senior police commanders who completed a six-month course on leadership, research and situation analysis at the Police Command and Staff College, Bwebajja, Wakiso District on Friday, was unequivocal in saying that the increased public outcry over police transgression calls for internal assessment of the institution to rectify whatever has gone wrong.

“We recognise that the police have done fairly well in some aspects. However, the rising public criticism should be taken in good faith. It is because they want you to change,” Mr Kania said.

He challenged police to take cue from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and asked the police commanders to revise their operation procedures so that they can regain public trust.

“You must work hard to restore citizen trust just like President Museveni has done in the army. When I have a problem, I should run to the police for help,” he said.

Mr Kania, whose docket is in charge of the police, made the remarks after the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, had left the event.

The police senior commanders present did not comment on the minister’s remarks, coming on the heels of the events earlier in the week in which police officers and goons in civilian clothes on Tuesday and Wednesday clobbered Opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye’s supporters as they followed him or stood by the road to cheer him after his successful bail application in court.

The four-time presidential candidate had been incarcerated for more than two months on charges of treason after a clip of him swearing in as president went viral.

On Friday, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) joined other organisations and individuals in condemning the latest police brutality, which has come with the tacit approval of Gen Kayihura, who on Thursday during a hastily convened press conference defended the actions of his officers as having been within the standard operating procedures.

Gen Kayihura said the Force had replaced use of tear gas with baton charge (use of sticks), and indicated that the beating of Dr Besigye’s supporters was sanctioned by the Force’s top command, claiming they had learnt about their planned violent disruptions.

He, however, said the Police Professional Standard Unit was conducting an inquiry into the beating of citizens by police officers and men in civilian clothes.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) and other human rights activists have condemned the police.

Minister Kania on Friday offered to help the police on their current predicament, promising to work with senior commanders to restore its image through consultations, public dialogues and investigations into public concerns.

Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi, the director of human resource development in the police, said some police officers go on duty not knowing what to do. “Sometimes security lapses occur because officers on duty do not know what to do. This is why we have put up several training schools purposely to replenish your minds,” Mr Kaweesi said.