Police want Shs200b to supervise 2016 polls
What you need to know:
The minister did not provide a similar break-down for the Shs204 billion request. He, however, revealed that the Force plans to recruit 7,000 officers ahead of the 2016 elections. He said the additional personnel will improve police to population ratio from 1:819 to 1:757
PARLIAMENT.
The Uganda Police Force yesterday asked for more than Shs200 billion to cover operations during next year’s general elections.
The request described by some MPs on the committee of Defence and Internal Affairs as “outrageous” was presented by Internal Affairs minister Aronda Nyakairima, who said the item is one of the unfunded priorities in the next Budget.
Gen Nyakairima said the money would cover training of personnel; ensure mobility of the Force, pay allowances and other expenses.
“To police the 2016 general elections, the Force is asking for Shs204 billion as if they are going to field candidates,” Mr Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kyadondo East) said.
“They are competing with Electoral Commission with Shs376 billion. This is outrageous and unacceptable. This is a poor country, we cannot afford to spend money on consumptive areas yet we need money for schools and hospitals,” he added.
Mr Eddie Kwizera (Bufumbira) suggested the money be passed to the Electoral Commission to give police allowances for securing the elections.
The request is expected to be discussed by the House Budget Committee. If police get this money, their budget for 2015/16 will surge from Shs412 billion to Shs616 billion.
The minister did not provide a similar break-down for the Shs204 billion request. He, however, revealed that the Force plans to recruit 7,000 officers ahead of the 2016 elections. He said the additional personnel will improve police to population ratio from 1:819 to 1:757.
The background
Police in the 2011 general elections asked for Shs130 billion. Of these funds, police also wanted another Shs24 billion to buy riot gear.
A total of Shs43 billion was for maintaining its vehicles and hiring a helicopter; Shs1.5 billion to pay Special Police Constables; Shs1.6 billion for uniforms, training Shs3 billion, feeding Shs19 billion and Shs19 billon for communication.
