Complaints emerge in Bushenyi police recruitment exercise

Bushenyi.
As police recruitment exercise goes on in greater Bushenyi sub-region, complaints have emerged that some of those being recruited do not come from the area.

The sub-region has Bushenyi, Sheema, Mitooma, Rubirizi and Buhweju districts.

Some applicants who talked to Daily Monitor on condition of anonymity claimed some applicants have come from the neighbouring districts of Mbarara, Ibanda and Ntungamo.

“There are many people we don’t know, and who seem ignorant about this area. We are complete strangers to one another,” an applicant said on Wednesday.

A female applicant said: “I know most of us may not make it but this exercise should be conducted fairly. You go back satisfied when you lose genuinely. The fact is we are all Ugandans seeking to serve our country but it is not fair to us who are genuine residents.”

The head of recruitment in western Uganda, Mr Denis Odongpiny, however, said it is hard to identify non-residents in the five districts at his level.
He added they rely on a system designed by the State.

“We expect them to have recommendations from area chairpersons, District Internal Security officers and the Resident District Commissioners. If someone comes from Kitgum but has the required recommendations, I don’t have the mandate to send him or her away,” Mr Odongpiny said.

But Ribirizi District chairman David Kisembo said such complaints should be taken seriously.

He said as the district leadership, they should know the number of police officers they will be recruiting from the district. Mr Willis Bashaasha, the Bushenyi District chairman, said these allegations should be investigated.