Build police capacity to fight crime

On March 17, police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi was gunned down, together with two bodyguards, as the trio left his home in Kulambiro-Kisasi, a Kampala suburb.
Kaweesi’s gruesome murder is similar to the murders of Muslim clerics, that until now remain unresolved. Its unfortunate how Kaweesi’s murder has been associated with numerous fire fighting antics.
The President in his remarks at the vigil suggested that CCTV cameras should be installed on streets to reduce crime. Another suggestion was to regulate boda bodas as allegedly known to be the quickest means of transport used by criminals.

I think solving crime goes beyond both suggestions, which perhaps explain the need to holistically address the security question in this country. It was during Kaweesi’s vigil that the President revealed that there are growing factions within the Police Force.
How do we expect a divided police force to execute its mandate as enshrined under Article 212(c) of the Constitution?
We need to build capacity of police to investigate crime and eliminate criminals who have infiltrated the Force. Police should also popularise “community policing” in order to enlist citizens’ participation in maintaining law and order.
Otherwise, if the current security threats continue manifesting, we will continue living in fear and eventually peace will be no more.
Badru Walusansa,
Commonwealth Correspondent