The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola was shocked to find a suspect attending a five-day retreat of CID commanders at their headquarters at Kibuli in Kampala on Monday.
While looking at the list of the officers attending, Ochola who was presiding at the opening, noticed the name of the Kiruhura District Criminal Investigations Commander-CID.
“I don’t expect the OC CID Kiruhura to be here. Is he here?” asked Ochola.
He was there.
Kiruhura District Criminal Investigations Commander-CID, Assistant Superintendent Niwagaba allegedly mishandled sh3 million exhibits he recovered in a fraud case. The owner of the money brought the matter to the attention of the IGP Ochola.
Timid and trembling, Niwagaba stood up to show his presence. It was when Ochola tasked Rwizi Region CID Commander Sulaiman Doka to explain how Niwagaba had been released from cells in a case of missing exhibit money.
“Sir, he was released on bond but I don’t expect him to be here,” Doka said.
The Police Chief tasked Niwagaba to explain to his more than 200 colleagues where he put the money exhibits he recovered in the recent crime he handled.
In a bid to explain to his colleagues on how he mishandled the exhibits, Niwagaba said: “Sir, there was some error in doing my work. There was some delay in handing over of some exhibits.”
Ochola interjected by asking him whether there was a delay in handing over exhibits or he had not handed them over. Ochola further tasked the regional CID commander to explain the conditions that were set for Niwagaba before he was released on bond.
Seemingly furious, Ochola reminded all CID commanders drawn from different regions and districts to avoid acting like animals. He warned them against thinking they have privileges to own something due to the nature of their offices.
“As investigators you should focus on fairness, equality and impartiality. You must practice fairness. You should not exercise partiality. Investigators must use force only when it is necessary. Suspects are not wild animals and you officers should not turn into animals when you are in office,” Ochola said.
Ochola didn’t spare the RPC Bukedia SSP Swalik whose uniform looked different from others since he had buttons on sleeves. Ochola tasked Swalik to explain where he had got the uniform since it is not known in Uganda Police Force.
The stammering Swalik insisted that he picked the uniform from his region’s welfare office. Ochola assigned Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), Andrew Soroweni to follow up with welfare office to establish where SSP Swalik got his uniform.
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