Major General Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) says he is happy with his job because he is offering effective protection for Ugandans.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network yesterday amidst the walk-to-work protests, a rather composed Kayihura said if people want to sacrifice him for what the police is doing he would gladly accept it.
Kayihura, who has come under scathing attack for the way the police has been brutalizing protesters, said while he does not condone a brutal police force he also does not want his officers to be endangered.
The IGP said he is a satisfied man because ever since he became the police chief, crime rates especially in Kampala have fallen sharply, asking that what more do people need from him.
Kayihura said his mission is to bring the police closer to the people and will do whatever it takes to improve the welfare and image of the police.
As he spoke, two new police buses turned up at the Central Police Station and new ambulances whizzed past. Kayihura proudly cited the vehicles as signs that he is improving the welfare of his officers.
The IGP said he has since banned the police from carrying injured people on pick-up trucks, saying the ambulances have been brought for that task.
He proudly said that within two years the Uganda Police Force, as we know it today, would be a well-facilitated force capable of protecting the people of Uganda and their property.
On whether he worries about leaving a brutal legacy, Kayihura said he is not because his tenure as police chief has been characterized by more challenges.
He explained that he took over when multiparty politics had just been reintroduced and many people wanted to take to the streets to express themselves.
The IGP said to the contrary he thinks his tenure has been characterized by more freedom to act than ever before.
Kayihura reiterated that the crackdown on protesters will continue because the police will never allow any crowd formation that could lead to a popular uprising.
