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Kampala — The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has launched an investigation into the leadership at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) following reports that some officers have been taking instructions from powerful city landlords and tycoons to silence traders.
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According to sources, the IGP was tipped off by a senior government official who informed him that some commanders at CPS had been compromised by city landlords to block the release of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) acting chairperson, Issa Ssekito, on police bond.
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Upon receiving the information, Byakagaba reportedly called CPS and demanded an explanation. Two commanders claimed they had already left office, while the rest distanced themselves from Ssekito’s file. Enraged by the apparent misconduct, the IGP ordered that Ssekito be released on police bond within five minutes — a directive that was immediately carried out.
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Following the incident, the IGP is said to have begun implementing internal changes within the Kampala Metropolitan Police, starting with the replacement of former spokesperson Patrick Onyango with Racheal Kawala. More changes are expected at CPS in the coming days.
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Reports indicate that some landlords have accused Ssekito of extorting money from them after promising to keep traders in check. However, they claim he later sided with traders whenever disputes arose, painting landlords in a negative light.
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Among the tycoons reportedly angered by Ssekito is city businessman Hamis Kiggundu, who was displeased after Ssekito appeared on television accusing him of working for the Museveni family. Ssekito allegedly stated that Kiggundu was merely a manager and not the real owner of the buildings in question — remarks that further fueled tensions.
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Ssekito had been detained on allegations of participating in an unlawful demonstration and inciting violence. He was only saved from being remanded to Luzira Prison following the IGP’s direct intervention.
