Agago gets Police dog to fight rising crime

17 March 2025, 7:36 AM

By Freeman Canogura

Agago Central Police Station has received its first ever sniffer dog to help combat rising crime in the district.

Authorities believe the well trained dog will assist in tracking down criminals, especially in Patongo and Kalongo town councils, where cases of motorcycle theft and shop break-ins have been on the rise.

According to Agago District Police Commander SP Omar Kokole, the dog has undergone specialized training and is ready for deployment. He said it will be used to track stolen property, identify suspects, and support investigations into criminal activities across the district.

Many residents have expressed hope that the police dog will help reduce crime and recover stolen property. However, some have raised concerns about possible misuse, urging the police not to demand money from victims before deploying the dog.

Patongo Town Council LCIII Chairperson, Joseph Komakech, emphasized that crime has been increasing in urban centers, and the police dog will be a valuable tool in tracking down suspects. He also urged law enforcement to respond swiftly when cases are reported to maximize the dog’s effectiveness. Komakech further encouraged the public to support crime prevention efforts by installing security cameras and reporting suspicious activity early.

Agago LCV Chairperson, Leonard Ojok, also praised the police for introducing the tracking dog, saying it will help address the lack of police presence in many sub-counties. He pointed out that several areas in Agago do not have police outposts, making crime control difficult. He urged authorities to ensure the dog’s services are accessible to all residents and that officers handle cases fairly.

Meanwhile, Aswa East Region Police Spokesperson, IP Joe Oloya, assured the public that police dogs have been effective in solving crimes in other parts of Uganda. He said the new tracking dog will be fully utilized to enhance security in Agago. However, he advised the public to avoid tampering with crime scenes, as the tracking dog can detect anyone present at the time of an incident, which could lead to wrongful arrests.