Local council officials in the border district of Busia have accused officials of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of profiteering from gun related crime.
The accusation was made yesterday by several LC1 Chairpersons during a security meeting called by Joel Aguma the Eastern Uganda Regional Police Commander to address the escalating crime in Busia town.
During the meeting several LC officials blamed the increase in gun related crimes to corruption by officials of the Rapid Response Unit who are deployed there to fight crime.
The LC's claimed that they arrest suspected criminals and hand them over to the rapid response unit but they are allegedly released without being taken to court.
The LC's who constantly referred to RRU as Wembley claimed that they have evidence that some of the suspects who were arrested for gunrunning sold their houses and surrendered the money to some RRU officials to secure their freedom.
Stephen Kibeti, an LC1 Chairperson of Sofia cell claimed that some of the suspects whom they recently arrested for gunrunning made phone calls to the police and were immediately released.
Kibeti claimed that the thugs who are terrorizing Busia town have connections with members of the security forces.
He appealed to police authorities to transfer police officers whose overstay in their duty station has compromised efficiency.
Also accused are members of the newly created Crime Intelligence Unit.
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John Abunyang another LC official claimed that he knows suspected thugs freely interact with policemen making the work of fighting crime very difficult for the local council officials.
John Ochen the LC1 for Maracha A blamed the insecurity on the judiciary he claims, grants bail to suspects as soon as they are presented to court, even if there is overwhelming evidence.
Joel Aguma the Eastern Uganda Police Spokesperson, blamed the problem on lack of accountability by security officers who are entrusted with keeping law and order.
He advised the police to coordinate with local officials to avoid creating suspicion.
