The Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth Ochola has tasked the Director Operations, AIGP Edward Ochom, to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of extortion, bribery and abuse of office, made by the community in Oyam, against police officers in Oyam district. This is part of the stewardship role, by the police leadership to monitor, evaluate and where necessary improve policing products and services to all Ugandans and visitors in the country. The task team will establish if the allegations that officers in Oyam district, charge Ugx 5000/= for a medical form that is free of charge, and between 30.000 to 100,000/= for one to file a complaint or to effect an arrest, are true or not. They will further establish whether there are any other significant failings, in respect of the standing orders and protocols, fraud by abuse of position and corrupt practices.

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga confirmed the move.

“As the UPF, we have a particular responsibility to fight bribery and other forms of corruption because of its negative impact on the reputation and standing of the forces. The damage that can be done to all the professional, hardworking and dedicated police officers, by the few errant officers cannot be underestimated. Therefore, as we await the findings of the task team, we wish to assure the community in Oyam and the country at large, that our strength in policing, relies heavily on a relationship of mutual trust and respect, between the police and public. All our officers are aware of this fundamental value, while serving the public and must never abuse their position, by ensuring their actions meets the highest ethical standards,” Enanga told the media Monday.

Generally, Enanga added: “we are happy with the manner in which the majority of our officers, have maintained objectivity and impartiality while performing their duties. We further encourage all other staff to react, if they discover that one of their colleagues, is allowing him or herself, to be improperly influenced in performing their duties to their immediate supervisor. We also have a complaints Desk at CID Headquarters and at the PSU Headquarters in Bukoto, which provides services to members of the public who want to complain directly by phone, email or letter or to receive advice about making their complaint to the nearest police.”