KAMPALA – Wandegeya police division netted over 50 suspected criminals in an intelligence-led operation on Thursday.
Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said the operation was prompted by a public outcry about the increased criminality and usage of opium amongst the youth – who would terrorise people on the Northern Bypass and surrounding areas of Gayaza road and Mawanda road among others.
He revealed that the operation was under the command of Hassan Hiwumbire – the Wandegeya Divisional Police Commander, with the backing of the O/C Operations at the same station as well as O/C Kalerwe.
Some of the netted suspected criminals include, Kafeero Amews, Muhammad Magero, Dennis Mukwanga, Hassan Kyobinga, Bashir Menya, Rashid Sserunjoji, Haruna Kijambu, Herman Jingo, Bright Kasujja, Innocent Ruhinda, Yahya Kigozi, Yonas Musagimana, Hassan Charles and Ronald Tabo Ronald.
Others are Steven Ndakaza, Denis Mungujjakisa, Richard Nikubimana, David Kwizera, Yoweri Irivuzimana, Hamza Ndugwa, Derrick Muzayimana, Jamal Semivumbi, Amos Turyasingura, Lawrence Lukenge, Isaac Agreu and Sumaya Nasejje- the only female in the group.
According to Onyango, the suspects are in custody at Wandegeya Police station on charges of possession of narcotic drugs and smoking opium.
“Exhibits recovered from them include unrolled sticks of opium. The operation will continue so as to reduce the public outcry,” noted Onyango in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force leadership has elevated 19 subordinate officers to various ranks – deputy police spokesperson, Claire Nabakka confirmed.
The promotions affected Inspector of Police-IP, Assistant Inspector of Police –AIP, Sergeant – Sgt, and corporal –Cpl – according to Nabakka – who added that the exercise was in accordance with Section 11(1), (a) & 13(1) (2), (b) of Police Act. She noted that two were promoted to IP from AIP; while there was only a single Sargent elevated to AIP. Two corporals went up to Sgt while 14 constables earned a Corporal pip each.
“The key criteria (of promotion) were based on transparency, openness and objectivity to ensure fairness and equity of the process. These include among other factors the following; performance, current responsibility, leadership abilities, command abilities, time spent on rank, discipline, patriotism and integrity, length of service in the force, highest level of education, career courses attended, record of service, exemplary performance among others,” she said.
The promoted officers are; AIP to IP Ronald MUHANYA Apollo BETEGYERIZE SGT to AIP Robert OKIA CPL to SGT Christine ANEBO Madada MAGOMU PC to CPL Rodney MUHINDA Hassan GIDUDU Robert TUMUSIIME Wyciif TUGINEYO Bridget AMUTUSIIMIRE Talent AHUMUZA Joel HIRYA Felix EMALU Diana AMUTUAIRE Brenda Gift IMEN Charity KUSEMERERA Joseph OKIROR Andrew AGABA Peter AKANDWANAHO
