Soroti District, Uganda – The business community in the Teso region has expressed shock and sadness over the announced transfers of East Kyoga Regional Police Commander (RPC) Damali Nashuca and Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Officer Collins Karugaba.
By 4:00 PM on Saturday, residents were questioning the timing of the transfers, particularly given the officers’ perceived success in curbing cattle theft, mobile money agent killings, and general crime, which had hindered the benefits of the Parish Development Model.
Moses Ayeko, a cattle trader, stated that the Teso region had previously struggled with a reputation for cattle theft, with stolen animals being transported in private vehicles. He credited the RPC and her team with effectively addressing this issue.
“While transfers are routine, we, the local community of Teso, who have experienced the positive impact of a strong police presence, respectfully request that the Inspector General of Police allow these officers to complete their work in Teso,” he said.
Betty Anyumel, another resident, speculated whether the transfers were related to the arrest of opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) officials who were allegedly disrupting business through protests related to cattle issues.
“If that’s the reason for their transfer, we implore President Museveni and the police leadership to allow these officers to continue their work in Teso,” she said.
Eveline Adeke, a trader, expressed fears about the potential consequences of the officers’ departure.
“We are not opposed to new officers coming to Teso, but we worry that they will need time to familiarize themselves with the criminals’ routes. Many criminals had reformed due to the intelligence-led operations of these officers, and their departure could lead to a resurgence of criminal activity,” she said.
Isaac Oluka, a resident, praised the current RPC for her effectiveness in tracking criminals and her resistance to bribery.
“Some of the crimes previously committed in Teso were supported by certain leaders who faced challenges with the current RPC and her team. We are concerned about the future,” he said.
Jessica Akareut, a concerned citizen, expressed disappointment that the transfers occurred during a politically sensitive time.
“Please, please, please, police, allow the RPC and the Regional CID Officer to complete their fight against criminals in Teso before transferring them,” she pleaded.
Attempts to obtain comments from the transferred officers were unsuccessful.
The Ankole Times has learned that Nashuca has been transferred to the Kigezi region, while Karugaba has been transferred to Mbarara.
