Local leaders in Kawempe Division have resolved to close all entertainment spots and bars at midnight over security concerns.
The leaders alleged that police officers have failed to offer them the necessary security but instead resort to drinking alcohol in bars while carrying firearms.
Without revealing names, the locals singled out police officers at Kikaaya Police Post led by ASP Ian Natukunda for terrorizing locals in bars with guns while drunk.
During a security meeting convened by the Kira-Road Division Police commander Geoffrey Ssebuyungo in Kikulu Zone Wednesday, it was resolved that a curfew be reinstated.
Ismail Bukenya, the LC I chairperson of Kikikulu zone, informed the DPC that his officers stopped doing routine night operations and instead resorted to getting drunk with their guns in bars.
“Mr. DPC, we have groups of thugs that are terrorizing us almost every two weeks, but some of the area officers you gave us are drunk 24 hours, I will not mention anyone but give us your contacts we shall be sending their pictures, once you talk to them as a leader, they threaten you. What should we do?," Bukenya asked.
The area defense Secretary, Raymond Kagga, says criminal gangs have increased in the area with several robberies as a result. He adds that security officers are instead starting fights in bars and threatening locals they are meant to protect.
“We don’t have information flow between our people and the Police because our people look at police officers as their enemies. How can you deal with someone who is found fighting in bars or threatening people? Kagga asked.
Locals who attended the same meeting say criminal gangs move with knives, stones, and pavers to stage attacks in dark spots.
The meeting was prompted by the increase in cases of burglaries and machete attacks by gangs from Kyebando, Kisalosalo, Nsoba, and Kamwokya Kyamuka zones targeting travelers on the northern bypass.
The DPC urged the local leaders and the residents to embrace community policing and promised to carry out investigations into the allegations leveled against his officers before effecting changes in deployments.
