Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The installation of CCTV cameras in Kabale municipality and Uganda-Rwanda border of Katuna has excited residents.
A total of 23 solar powered cameras with supervision by security are being installed by Africa Technology Exchange Company Limited.
According to Elly Maate, police spokesperson for Kigezi sub region, 19 cameras will be installed in Kabale municipality while four will be installed at Katuna border.
Maate says that some of the targeted places where the cameras will be installed include; Kabale University, Presidential state lodge, Kabale-Katuna roundabout, opposite Bank of Uganda currency centre, High court hill, Kabale regional referral hospital entrance, Butobere junction, Bugongi roundabout, Kekuubo roundabout, Mwanjari, Kekubo, opposite post office, Nyerere avenue, Al Saints church and Christ the King catholic church entrances among others.
He says that cameras will help to identify criminals who have always taken advantage of achieving their missions without being unidentified.
Issa Mahadi, a resident of Kekubo in nothern division says that the installation of cameras is long overdue. Mahadi expresses optimism that days of criminals who have been taking advantage of hiding in dark spots like Kekubo by giving people sleepless nights are long gone. His only prayer is to see CCTV perform their duties than police officers turning them into a source of income after identifying criminals.
Salim Hamis Ssalongo, chairperson LC2 of Kirigime ward in southern division says that they were tired of increased cases of theft especially animals and house breaking adding that installation of cameras will help in identifying the thieves. According to Hamis, his office receives over ten cases of animal theft by unidentified criminals on a monthly basis.
Deus Asiimwe alias Kahungu, a resident of central division says that he was one time attacked along Kekubo road at a place commonly known as death valley while retiring from work during the night. Asiimwe says that he lost his phone to the thieves. He says that the next person who was following him was killed by the thieves.
Maate also advises locals to help security by also installing their own CCTV cameras in their homes.
According to 2019 Uganda police crime report, Kigezi sub region registered 657 cases of theft. Among them included 124 cases of house breaking.
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