Outgoing Anti-Stock Theft Unit commandant hands over office

Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | On Friday, Elias Kasirabo, the outgoing Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), officially handed over the office to Francis Chemusto, who previously served as the regional police commander for Mt. Moroto. This change follows recent appointments by the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, which saw Kasirabo moved to the position of Deputy Director of Human Resources and Administration, while Chemusto was elevated to Commandant ASTU, with Lattif Zake as his deputy.

Francis Chemusto embraced his new role, vowing to perform his duties diligently with continuous guidance. He expressed gratitude to the outgoing Commandant for mentoring the team and enhancing their operational capacity and welfare. Chemusto emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of officers and fostering their career growth. He plans to build on the structural improvements initiated by his predecessor, focusing on areas that need further enhancement, particularly concerning officers’ welfare.

Ahmed Madiri, who assumed the Regional Command of Mt. Moroto, pledged not to disappoint the appointing authority and to uphold the existing police legacy. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation for regional pacification and development. Madiri, with a year of experience in the region, aims to fit into the ongoing efforts and maintain professional ethics in serving the community.

Elias Kasirabo, transitioning to the police headquarters as Deputy Director of Human Resources and Administration, urged the new Commandant to collaborate with other security agencies for seamless operations. He highlighted the loss of 799 personnel due to a manpower audit and phasing out aged staff since 2021, stressing the need to address manpower gaps from his new role. Kasirabo acknowledged the benefit of having a new Commandant familiar with the region’s operational tactics.

Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the UPDF 3rd division commander and guest of honor, praised the high level of cooperation among the Joint Security Forces in the Karamoja sub-region. He commended both Police and ASTU commandants for their roles in peace dialogues, conflict mediation, and crime reduction. Nabasa emphasized the importance of resource and manpower sharing during emergencies and expressed confidence in the new commanders’ competence and discipline, foreseeing continued teamwork and success.

These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and operational capabilities of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit and regional security forces, ensuring continued progress and stability in the Karamoja sub-region.

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