Summary:
- Minister Musasizi warned police officers against corruption and extortion, which residents say have exacerbated livestock theft in the area.
RUBANDA: The Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, has stepped in to address the ongoing livestock theft in Nyamweru Sub-county, Rubanda District.
The intervention follows a protest by residents of Bigungiro Parish, who stormed the Kigezi Regional Police Headquarters in Kabale municipality. The residents demanded the release of three individuals detained for allegedly lynching a suspected thief caught with a stolen cow. They accused the police of prioritizing the arrest of mob attackers over apprehending criminals stealing their livestock.
Led by Nyamweru Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Alex Nkwasibwe and Bigungiro LCII Chairperson Fred Byakwaga, the residents claim police officers are complicit in animal theft. They allege that officers release suspects in exchange for bribes and demand payments from complainants to register cases and initiate investigations.
During a security meeting at Kagoye Primary School in Keru Village, Bigungiro Parish over the weekend, Minister Musasizi urged residents to refrain from mob justice and to hand over suspects to law enforcement for prosecution. He warned police officers against corruption and extortion, which residents say have exacerbated livestock theft in the area. Minister Musasizi assured residents that he would escalate their concerns to the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, for urgent attention.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASI…..ON THE ISSUE…..RR//
Rubanda District Police Commander, Abel Barugahare, acknowledged the presence of corruption among officers and encouraged residents to report such behavior for disciplinary action.
CUE IN BARUGAHARE…..ON OFFICERS………RR//
Rubanda District LC5 Chairman, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, called on the government to increase the police fuel budget to improve patrols and reduce criminal activity in the area.
CUE IN KASYABA…..ON GOVERNMENT……RR//
