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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Stephen Muzeeyi Sabiiti has halted United Nations jobs interviews for over 220 officers from Kampala Metropolitan policing region.
A source at Kampala Metropolitan police headquarters intimated that Sabiiti has ordered for the withdrawal of police officers, whom he said should instead be on standby to engage anticipated protests in Kampala.
At least 100 of the affected police officers had arrived at Nsambya sharing hall where the 785 police officers who were shortlisted for 120 UN Jobs in Somalia and other war trodden countries were called on Monday. Several others were still on the way by the time the directive was issued.
Sabiiti, according to a source, said it was risky for Kampala police officers to gather at Sharing Hall amidst protests from Makerere University students, Forum for Democratic Change –FDC activists and Journalists’ demonstrations against police brutality.
“DIGP said separate interviews shall be prepared for all shortlisted Kampala Metropolitan police officers and they will be done in shifts. He said it was risky for a big number of Kampala police officers to converge for UN Jobs interviews yet there are already ongoing and anticipated protests in the city,” a source said.
There was a beehive of activities in Kampala on Monday where police battled FDCs members who had gathered at Namboole Stadium for party activities, Makerere University students, Journalists demonstrations and warring drivers’ factions.
In the same vain, Police hastily deployed in Kisekka market on Tuesday anticipating an impromptu meeting between traders and Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police –AIGP Grace Turyagumanawe, also director Peace Support Operations, presided over the operating of the first phase of UN Jobs interviews on Monday. Although the shortlisted officers were 785, Deputy Police Spokesperson, Polly Namaye said 803 police officers across the country took part in the Monday exercise.
Most of the police officers affected by Sabiiti’s halt are from Anti-Riot Police also known as Field Force Unit –FFU and Counter-Terrorism-CT.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, who is also among the officers whose interviews have been halted declined to comment. Other senior officers affected by the order include Superintendents of Police –SPs Jonathan Musinguzi, Jane Nakityo, Patrick Byaruhanga, Allan Tumugiziire, Patrick Onyango, Jane Nyamisango, Peter Oumo, Kenneth Muheirwe, Topher Gimei and Fredrick Wataya.
At least 13 Assistant Superintendents of Police –ASPs have also been affected and some of these include Brian Kamara, Hadijah Ndikuyeze, Lilian Nakigyo, Moses Kamomo, Conrad Byomugabe and Peace Kyatalime.
Meanwhile, the police officers whose interviews were not interrupted have started undergoing driving tests. Driving skills are part of the vital requirements for UN Mission jobs.
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