Police’s anti-riot unit has received more weapons to deal with rioters and protesters in various parts of the country. The procured weapons include 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and 50 Riot Control Vehicles (RCVs).
Maj Gen Katsigazi Tumusiime, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, who received the new anti-riot weapons from logistics and engineering director AIGP Richard Edyegu said the equipment will improve the operational readiness of the Force.
Gen Tumusiime cautioned police personnel particularly the director of Field Force Police -FFP AIGP Fadhir Kaali to ensure they utilize the new equipment for better performance. Police often use RCVs to disperse political protesters.
Police said the improved classified anti-riot vehicles will enhance its mechanism of enforcing Public Order Management while the APCs will be vital in transporting personnel responding to security emergencies.
“The tactical armoured vehicles are to be used in volatile areas like Karamoja and combat zones in Somalia to guarantee the safety of officers and protect communities. We need to utilize these machines to do better. It is upon us that they are properly maintained and ensure they last longer and serve the purpose,” Gen Tumusiime said.
Uganda police and military have been fighting cattle rustlers in Karamoja for more than 18 months. More than 600 warriors have been killed and over 21,000 arrested. However, an unspecified number of soldiers and police officers including civilians have also been shot dead by warriors.
One of the reasons why police officers have been killed has been the lack of armoured vehicles that enable them to trail through volatile areas. This is why Gen Tumusiime has cited Karamoja as one of the areas the new APCs are going to be used.
“The procurement is also meant to improve the operational capacity of Anti stock theft unit in the Karamoja area by providing the personnel with safer and quicker means of transport as they protect and patrol in the Karamoja sub-region,” Gen Tumusiime said.
AIGP Edyegu and AIGP Kaali said the equipment is evidence that police are geared towards serving the community better and ensuring that they and their property are protected. The police chiefs Gen Tumusiime, AIGP Edyegu and AIGP Kaali thanked the government for equipping and supporting the police force.
“The main objective of this procurement was the need to equip Field Force Police (FFP) with improved versions of the APC and RCV that can handle the current operational challenges,” AIGP Edyegu said.