In a very clear stern warning, Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP) Ubaldo Bamunoba, Chief Political Commissioner (CPC) of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has cautioned cops against engaging in corruption and bribery, emphasizing such an action is a “live wire” that attracts severe penalties.
He was on Tuesday addressing senior police officers from Kiira police Region that covers the traditional Jinja district in a meeting held at the government-owned Civil Service College, Jinja City.
Kiira Region has Kiira Central commonly known as CPS Jinja, Kiira North with its headquarters at Buwenge and Kiira East housed at Kakira Town Council.
Munoba who was accompanied by a handful of directors like SSP Jane Nakityo the commissioner Formal Education and CP Paul Nkore the Commissioner Political Education from the police headquarters was treated to a Baraka guard mounted by 18 personnel before entering the hall.
After a brief opening remarks and introductions, the visiting senior police chief asked journalists to vacate the hall where he held a two hour close door engagements with the officers.
Addressing the media after meeting with senior police officers from the Kiira police region that covers the traditional Jinja district,SCP Bamunoba stressed that corruption and bribery have no place in the police force and asked officers to uphold their ethical code of conduct and professionalism.
“…if you want to execute your tasks without headache, bear in mind that we have zero tolerance on corruption, stick to the law and follow procedure in whatever you do, otherwise the law will catch up with you…”,Bamunoba said.
Although various integrity reports have always ranked the Uganda police Force as one of the top most corrupt government agencies, Bamunoba downplays such saying most of the complaints come from minor cases reported in the minor contravention book usually abbreviated as (MCB),the section that handles minor cases like simple or minor assault or affray.
He told reporters that the Force has put in place complaints-handling mechanisms including the Professional Standard Unit (PSU), the disciplinary arm that conducts investigations against errant officers involved in crimes against the operation and standing orders.
Bamunoba whose Directorate of Political Commissariat is to develop a patriotic, citizen-centric police force through engagement in education and community policing used the occasion to urge police officers against meddling in partisan politics.
“…execute your constitutional mandate in a lawful manner without taking sides because your duty and role is to provide services to every citizen without looking at any sectarian grounds…”,he sounded a warning.
Although critics have always accused the Uganda police of being biased and in bed with the ruling NRM party, Ubaldo Bamunoba’s apparent assurance rings sweetly in the ears of opposition as the political climate warms up.
The CPC boss told journalists that he is on a countrywide familiarization and assessment tour which will take him to all regions of Uganda as he also listens to the concerns and issues affecting the operation of the police which is described as the ‘frontline’ force in the community.
With the 2026 elections looming, the UPF’s commitment to neutrality and fairness will be closely watched and Bamunoba’s tour is a crucial step towards ensuring a level playing field for all political players, and maintaining public confidence in the police force.
The Regional Police Commander (RPC) SSP Charles Nasaba, in his welcoming remarks said the region was calm and that the police continue to enjoy a healthy working relationship with the wanainchi and all the stakeholders.
“…the general situation is calm and there is a marked reduction in crime cases because of close collaboration with the local leaders, sister security agencies and members of the public…”, Charles Nsaba who seems to have mastered the economy of words said.
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