Mobile Police deploys on highways

The deployment follows rising cases of armed robbers staging roadblocks and robbing the passengers ahead of the Christmas festivities.

Kampala

The Police have deployed Mobile Police Patrol Unit officers under the Integrated Highway Patrol System after an increase in armed robberies on highways as the country enters the Christmas festive season.

The deployment follows cases of armed robbers staging roadblocks on highways and robbing passengers of their property and money. At Kampiringisa, Nakitokolo Forest, Kitemu, on Kampala-Masaka Highway is said to be one of the most dangerous places where the officers have been deployed.

The Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said they would deploy armed police officers to escort buses to curb attacks. “We have to deploy armed police officers to escort buses as well as carry out snap checks on vulnerable roads,” Gen. Kayihura said.

Mr Philip Mukasa, the central west police spokesman, said the robbers take advantage of road sections that are in poor state to waylay vehicles. “Mpigi-Kibibi-Kabulasoke road is in a poor state which means many vehicles slowdown to navigate potholes. So thugs use it to attack motorists,” Mr Mukasa said.

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