Police chief vows to crash election saboteurs

Jinja.

Anyone planning to sabotage the 2016 general election will taste the police wrath, the Inspector General of Police has warned.

Gen Kale Kayihura said he will crush any person with intentions of causing chaos before, during and after next year’s elections.
“We have already received information of groups secretly planning to disrupt this country’s peace during, before and after next year’s elections. I want to warn such groups in advance that the police are more than ready to bang them beyond recognition,” he said.

He was presiding over the passing out of 386 police officers at UPDF training school in Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja Municipality on Wednesday. Of these, 188 officers graduated in basic course, 157 were non-commissioning officers whereas 21 were UPDF officers who graduated in military and acrobatic skills.

The police chief added that the obligation to protect citizens and their property is constitutionally invested in the police, army and licensed private security companies.
“If you feel you need personal security, go hire guards from licensed private security companies or inform us and we provide you with security.
However, we shall not tolerate any nonsense of forming militias,” he said.

In August, Rtd Maj Kakooza Mutale, popularly known for his Kalangala Action Plan militia, threatened to smash anyone who will interfere with President Museveni’s electoral bid for victory in 2016.

In response, Mr Erias Lukwago the Kampala Lord Mayor, unveiled his youth militia dubbed Solida Crew which he said was ready to protect him and other Opposition members from Mutale’s militias.
Lt Col Assad Katemba, who conducted the training said the course was intended to develop the professionalism of the officers as far as security is concerned.

“The training was intended to improve the proficiency in conducting duties and tactical response to the ever evolving social, political, economic as well as cater for the sophisticated crime levels which are linked to improved technology and ideological phenomena,” Mr Katemba said.

He added that the skills the officers got was to help them improve the image of the force, hard weapon shooting and conducting special operations
“The training emphasised the need to recognise and appreciate personal commitments to values of nationalism, patriotism and respect for humanity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Kayihura scoffed at those who were accusing him of militarising the police, saying the police Act oblige the police to offer military services when the need arises.
“I will continue giving military related skills to all police officers because they are always at the forefront of fighting security threats such as terrorism.
“ I don’t want to get ulcers from people who accuse me of things which do not exist,” he said.