The Inspector General of Police- IGP Kale Kayihura has said that his new term of office will focus on restoring public confidence in the Uganda Police Force.
He says improving the image of the police is of paramount importance at a time when the general public seems resigned about the role of the police. His comments come at a time when police is facing strong criticism over seemingly increasingly insecurity and the application of torture in its investigations.
The latest case stems from glaring images of the Kamwenge town council chairperson Godfrey Byamukama who was reportedly tortured in the hands of the Uganda Police Force. Byamukama had gaping wounds on his knees and ankles, which he said resulted from beatings by police while in detention at Nalufenya police station in Jinja.
Several other suspects charged in the recent assassination of police commander Andrew Felix Kaweesi recently complained in court of being beaten while at the same facility.
Kayihura was speaking during a thanksgiving event to celebrate his reappointment and subsequent approval for another term of office. The event was held in Nauyo Primary School, Bungokho South in Mbale district on Sunday.
He said police is going to rectify all weakness in management of cases, reinforce criminal investigations and improve the capacity of the Uganda Police to fight terrorism, murder and theft.
Meanwhile, Kampala minister Beti Kamya has also accused Gen. Kale Kayihura of being behind insecurity in Kampala by meddling in the operations of boda bodas and taxis.
“IGP, you are one of the causes of insecurity in Kampala. Your people are beating up our people; one even lost an eye,” Kamya said. She revealed that those behind the beatings were released without charge.
“How do you release somebody who has removed another person’s eye? I’m very annoyed,” Kamya said.
