Pader police launch door-to-door crime awareness campaign
14 September 2024, 19:08
By Ekel Daniel Bonny
Police in Pader district have launched a door-to-door awareness campaign aimed at engaging the community in crime prevention in response to the increasing levels of insecurity in the district.
The campaign, which commenced on 13 September 2024, is being led by District Police Commander (DPC) SP Jackson Bogere and focuses on encouraging residents to take proactive measures in tackling crime within their communities.
One of the primary concerns raised during the campaign came from local business owner Richard Paja, who highlighted the growing issue of street children, locally known as “Aguu.” According to Paja, these children have been linked to several break-ins and thefts around the town.
“These children are becoming a serious threat to our businesses. We need immediate police action,” Paja stated, urging the authorities to address the issue before it escalates further.
In addition to concerns about street crime, boda boda rider Okello Justine expressed frustration over police officers demanding bribes and fuel contributions during arrests. “We are tired of officers asking for money during every arrest. This is damaging our livelihoods,” said Justine, who urged the police to address internal corruption.
In response to these concerns, SP Bogere emphasised that police services are free and that no officer has the right to extort money from the public.
“Let me be clear: no officer should ask for money from the public. Report any officer involved in such acts, and I assure you we will take swift action against them,” Bogere emphasised. “Anyone caught bribing police officers will also be arrested for engaging in corruption,” he warned.
As part of the campaign, SP Bogere also met with bus operators, urging them to prioritise passenger safety by investing in metal detectors to prevent potential terror threats. “We cannot wait for government intervention. These machines can be privately owned and should be a priority for all operators,” Bogere advised.
Patrick Labalpiny, manager of HMK and Makome Bus Stations, welcomed the suggestion, acknowledging the challenges faced in maintaining security. “We face difficulties without proper security equipment. The idea of metal detectors is long overdue,” Labalpiny remarked.
Bogere further advised bus operators to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, noting that compliance ensures both passenger safety and the prevention of accidents.