Martin Okoth Ochola, the Uganda’s Inspector General of Police, has vowed to prioritize Karamoja security in his new term.
Uganda President, Yoweri Museveni, renewed Ochola’s contract in December last year. Legislators approved his contract last week and for that reason he has listed restoring security in Karamoja as priority in his new contract.
Karamoja is one of Uganda’s remote sub-regions that faces numerous security challenges among others cattle rustling and gun violence. A number of people including security personnel have been injured or killed in firearms exchange since October last year.
Ochola has attributed the success registered in his first three years that started on March 4, 2018 to the support from heads of sister security agencies, police directors, heads of departments, specialized units, and frontline police officers.
Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, revealed Ochola’s targets in a press conference at Naguru Police headquarters. Enanga, said his boss has noted that he will make the necessary changes to ensure the UPF transformed by adopting new technologies and shifting away from the traditional methods of policing.
“We will emphasize on mindset and attitude change, on eliminating corruption in the entire Police Force, improving Welfare and Human Rights enforcement, increased police presence, in the greater Karamoja region as the significant reforms to be embarked on,” Ochola said.
However, Ochola anticipates new and complex operational challenges, but he is confident the UPF will embrace the changes necessary, to bring out the best from the dynamic and committed workforce.
Maj Gen Paul Lokech, the deputy IGP, said he is very glad that the IGPs reappointment was made. Lokech who replaced Maj Gen Stephen Muzeyi Sabiiti, in December last year, said during the short period he had known Ochola, he is committed and dedicated.