By Milly B Babalanda
As the reader is aware, in the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026 government promised to secure the future of Ugandans. Security is paramount -both in the sense of being guaranteed effective service that renders immediate hope of a better life and in the sense of safety of citizens and their property. In regard to security as a guarantee of life and property, the plan is to continuously maintain, expand and consolidate the culture that Ugandans have become accustomed to as the NRM way.
As part of the drive to keep the security system above par, capacity building of teams should be a full time engagement. Security teams and the general population should be willing to learn and to adapt appropriately depending on the problem at hand. I believe that at the district is where important decisions can be made regarding security (of those areas) which, then, cumulatively benefits the whole country.
District Security Committees (DSCs)-composed of RDCs/RCCs, DISOs, DPCs and District Crime Intelligence Officers (DCIOs)-should play a more noticeable role that justifies their existence. There are vital tips on how to improve on their operations while performing this role.
RDCs/RCCs and their deputies have so far positively responded to guidelines issued at the height of the Masaka operations as part of the security reawakening initiative. Initially, when the guidelines were communicated, some may have found them problematic but after implementing them, we can testify to their efficacy and how they have improved everyone’s work.
We have been able to identify factors affecting the smooth operations of DSCs which in turn affect their performance. They include; the issue of corruption and bribery in exchange of services; undermining of presidential directives as reported that bars and cattle markets have continued to operate in some districts, against the presidential directives on COVID-19, for example in Mbale City, Makindye Division in KCCA, Kumi, Arua City, Lira City and Nakaseke.
Other issues include violation of human rights abuses through torture of suspects, failure to address security press briefings at district level, abetting illegal land evictions and mismanagement of criminal cases and bailing out of notorious criminals at police, and at times during their first appearance in court. It has also been noted that members of DSCs are not easily accessible; some DPCs have failed to mobilise community policing programs and there are leakages of intelligence to unauthorised persons.
In Karamoja, RDCs failed to call for any meeting let alone support the disarmament exercise. Why? What don’t they have or what don’t they know about their role? There is also intrigue and lack of team work including pointing fingers at each other in the face of failures.
In order for us to succeed and bridge all the gaps in security, we have to move together. Many of the security issues like that of the bijambiya are political moves and well calculated to undermine government and cause fear in the public. Stability is the main reason the NRM has kept in power. Therefore, anything that threatens security is an immediate emergency.
We must be aware that the threat can spread to the entire country because even notorious criminals are using this chance to commit murders. Therefore, all of us must draw measures that can defeat these criminals, and I am available to anchor and guarantee these measures.
The mitigation measures include; RDCs and RCCs holding at least two strategic DSC meetings attended by all members and accordingly addressing press conferences on the security situation; RDCs and RCCs should mobilize LCs and lower police commanders to create rescue WhatsApp Security Groups for the residents for purposes of coordination and mobilization and upgrading the civilian intelligence gathering networks.
Also, residents should be tasked to clear bushes around their homes and to ensure that they switch on security lights at night.
Furthermore, DPCs should ensure proper supervision and efficiency of the CCTV cameras. Similarly, DSCs should encourage residents who can afford to install CCTV cameras on their premises to do so. As witnessed from the Gen. Katumba case, CCTV footage from a neighboring premise was instrumental in providing key leads to the arrest of the criminals.
The justice system should be part of the security awakening initiative. Courts should stop handing light punishments to hardcore criminals such as doing community service. This practice is complicating and encouraging criminality in the communities. Hardcore elements should be given very serious punishments to serve as a deterrent to others. At the quarters of Resident State Attorneys (RSAs), there are cartels engaged in the business of “killing” cases at a fee. We are taking this matter very seriously and soon some people will face arrest. We cannot have our security personnel invest resources, time and risk their own lives to follow up clues, track and arrest criminals only for them to escape and go scot-free in the corridors of court. That would be self-defeating!
Lastly, in the border districts, there is need for 24/7 updates about the security situation there. We need to know who is crossing our borders at any one time, their immigration status and their intentions. My office and that of the Minister for Security are responding to, managing and encouraging reporting through the appropriate channels all concerns that will help us consolidate out gains in regard to security countrywide. To report any matter, our tollfree line no: 0800320320 is available.
The author is the Minister for the Presidency
