Local citizens reject a police post

Local residents in Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo district have rejected a call by the local leaders to mobilise funds for the construction of a police post arguing that it’s not a priority service delivery issue for the area.

While reacting to a discussion on mobilising funds for the construction of a police post on the listener’s forum radio program on 4^th August, 2013 the local citizens who participated in the discussions and call-ins and SMS overwhelmingly rejected the construction of the police post.

Uganda Police Logo

“Police isn’t a priority,” Said Dovico, caller from Bufunjo. “Is the police post construction a priority,” Said Stephen, a caller from Kyenjojo. “Police is mismanaging money. They spend a lot of money in tear gas, why can’t they save it for the construction of the police post.” Said Fred Mugara from Bugaaki Sub County in Kyenjojo District.

“I have talked to some councillors, who are not supportive of the issue for instance the councillor of Kanyarugamire. We have a lot of priority service delivery issues like health, education, roads, bridge construction, etc which we need to mobilise money for and not a police post construction.” Said Tibeeha John Bosco, the General Secretary of Bufunjo People’s Forum while participating on the weekly 2 hour radio discussion on accountability supported by ToroDev in partnership with Better FM, Fort Portal.

The chairperson of Bufunjo People’s Forum, Tumwesige Andrew indicated that although the police post is important, there is need to sensitise the community more so that they can embrace it. Tumwesige also appealed for transparency in the management of public funds by government officials.

 “People think that they are constructing for themselves a prison by contributing funds to the construction of a police post. People are also not sure whether the funds they will contribute to construct the police post will be used well.” Said Tumwesige Andrew.

The radio discussion was also attended by the Bufunjo Sub County Chief Mr. Businge Darnel, the Community Development Officer Bufunjo Sub County Mr. Kobwemi Job and the O.C police officer for the Sub County Mr. Bahemuka Patrick.

The local leaders indicated that the police post is required to ensure development of the sub county through improved security, “Bufunjo Sub County is a huge sub county with a big population but still lacks poor services in terms of security to spur development.” Said the Sub County C.D.O

“People will not improve their livelihoods without security. We have supported the local citizens through roads construction, supporting agriculture through NAADS, etc. We need security to ensure sustainable development in the sub County.” Said the Sub County Chief.

“The police post will reduce mob justice. Security is part of development and without it, there can never be development.” Said the O.C Bufunjo Police Post.