Police has issued a directive to all territorial commanders to respond accordingly to any violent attacks on officers or entities by unknown assailants.
While addressing journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru, police spokesperson Fred Enanga stated that joint security task-force chiefs have directed territorial commanders to respond to any form of violence targeted on them.
“Whilst, its true that security and law enforcement officers are trained on how to protect the public, they are also trained on how to use tactics and proportionate use of force, under violent and unpredictable attacks like ambushes, attacks at checkpoints, detaches and security facilities.” said Enanga
He stated that security forces will not lie back and tolerate shootings, robbery of guns and attacks on security personnel meant to provide safety to the public.
Enanga also says security forces have made some strides on recent attacks by gunning down three armed assailants in Iganga and Kapeeka respectively, and in-turn recovering three guns and 88 ammunition.
He says security forces are still investigating attacks in Luweero, Kapeeka, Busiika and those behind the foiled attacks in Kesington, and Nakulabye police posts on whether the violent and attempted attacks were a social or political goal.
“Right now we are using all available lawful investigative techniques to combat the attacks and ambushes, and re continuing to build on the intelligence gathered; especially on the attackers in Luweero, Kapeeka, Busiika.” he adds
He says security forces will aggressively pursue, those who seek to engage in violent criminal activity or threaten to use force.
He has also cautioned the journalists to desist from promoting panic in the public but instead clearly distinguish violent attacks, foiled attacks and guns stolen out of negligence.
” For instance, the loss of guns in Bungokho, Mbale, Sanga, Kireka (which was recovered), and Bugoma Central Reserve (which was also recovered) were not as a result of attacks, as claimed. Now it the time for the media to stand-up and do their journalistic work, in a very balanced manner.” he said
Compiled by Minah Nalule
