Recently, Alan Kasujja, Lead Presenter at BBC News and Host of Africa, shared his experience visiting Kabalagala Police Station. There, he was attended to by the Officer in Charge (OC) Stella Feta Aliru, offering a glimpse into the daily operations of the station.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of her small but busy office, Aliru demonstrated her role as a guiding figure for police officers seeking assistance. Kasujja observed various individuals seeking help, including a South Sudanese individual with an issue and an Eritrean stopping by to greet.
During his visit, Kasujja witnessed a poignant encounter as a distressed woman entered the station with her baby. The woman’s predicament revolved around the abandonment of her family by the father of her children. Intrigued by how such cases are handled by the Uganda Police Force, Kasujja decided to observe closely.
Both the crying baby and the visibly distressed mother required attention and support. Aliru, with her role as OC, aimed to provide comfort and assistance to them. She approached the situation with kindness and empathy, engaging the mother with thoughtful questions while playfully interacting with the baby.
Upon learning that some of the woman’s children had been ‘detained’ by a school due to unpaid fees, Aliru expressed outrage. In a swift response, three female police officers stepped in to assist the mother. Together, they devised a plan that prioritized the welfare of the children and provided a solution to the family’s predicament.
Kasujja reflected on Aliru’s responsiveness, empathy, and leadership during the encounter, prompting him to ponder the need for more officers like her within the Uganda Police Force. He emphasized the importance of such qualities in law enforcement and suggested that AIGP Tom Magambo Rwabudongo, Director of Criminal Investigations, take note of Aliru’s exemplary conduct.
