Gen Muhoozi pledges to improve police image

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The newly appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi has said that his priority in office will be to improve the image of the police.

Muhoozi, the outgoing Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) was on Thursday vetted by the parliament’s appointments committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker Anita Among.

Speaking to journalists after he was vetted, Gen. Muhoozi said that although a lot of things have been done in the Ministry, there is a lot more that can be done better especially in areas of effective policing and improving the general image of the police.

The police have come under growing criticism for handedness against the opposition and abuse of human rights.

According to a Press Freedom Index Report 2020 by Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) released in April, the police were listed in the first position of perpetrators of violence against journalists. They were responsible for 104 cases out of the total 174 violations against journalists recorded, most of which were perpetrated during the recently concluded election campaigns.

Gen Muhoozi says that coming from an army background, his role will be key when it comes to the internal security of the country. He says although he remains a serving military officer, he will move on to the new docket when someone is appointed.

On the President’s directive to have digital monitors on motor vehicles and motorbikes, Muhoozi said the process is on course since the bureaucratic processes have been dealt with. The directive follows the attack on Works Minister Gen Katumba Wamala which left his daughter Nantongo Brenda and driver Haruna Kayondo dead. He says the procurement processes should be starting soon.

Last month, Muhoozi was sworn in as an Army Representative in the 11th Parliament. He was appointed CDF in May 2013, replacing General Edward Katumba Wamala.

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