The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has taken a strong stand regarding the appointment of Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police designate and James Ochaya as the Deputy Inspector General of Police designate until they provide Parliament with a comprehensive plan to address segregation targeting opposition members.
He made the remarks on May 23, 2024, while addressing journalists following the conclusion of the Appointments Committee meeting.
According to Ssenyonyi, he will not vote in favor of their appointment until they provide Parliament with a comprehensive plan for addressing segregation targeting opposition members.
“I explained to them how the police operate in a segregated manner, and I asked them what strategies they have to ensure that this segregation does not occur. I did not vote for them in the committee because I want to observe how they react differently and whether we should continue our actions. Maybe when they come back for renewals and I see how they have performed differently, I will be able to offer them my vote,” Senyonyi stated.
Ssenyonyi indicated that his decision to vote in favor of the duo in the future would depend on their actions and improvements in ending discrimination within the Force’s operations.
He highlighted concerns about the welfare of police officers, particularly the deplorable living conditions in police barracks. He added that there are two barracks in his constituency, but the way people live is deplorable. He, therefore, asked about the plans MPs have for those that have been appointed.
“I also told fellow MPs that these people should bring a comprehensive plan, and as Parliament, we should act upon it because these police officers are human beings like us; they are serving the country, “he added.
He further said that the opposition does have challenges with the way they are operating, but many of the juniors who aren’t giving the orders live a deplorable life, adding that something has to be done.
Ssenyonyi also emphasized that the Exodus SACCO, which police officers keep complaining about, forces them to save money but can’t access it.
President Museveni of Uganda and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces made the appointments and redeployments in and out of the Uganda Police Force on May 18, 2024.
