By Charles Twiine Mansio | CEO, The Third Eye Consults
The Afrobarometer survey’s recent findings that only 30% of Ugandans would seek justice from the police, while 56% would opt for Local Councils (LCs), are nothing short of astonishing—not because they reveal some profound truth, but because they demonstrate a staggering lack of understanding of Uganda’s justice system.
According to their analysis, the survey’s authors claim that Ugandans have lost trust in the police due to corruption, brutality, and ineffectiveness. However, they fail to provide concrete evidence to support these claims, instead relying on vague assertions and unsubstantiated statistics.
But let’s set the record straight: the police and LCs have distinct roles, mandates, and jurisdictions. Criminal cases, by law, fall under the police’s purview, making them the default destination for citizens seeking justice in such matters. In contrast, LCs primarily handle petty administrative issues, small disputes involving boundaries, and, to some extent, light domestic issues, which cannot be compared to the complex, often high-stakes cases dealt with by the police.
It’s shocking that the survey’s authors seemingly ignored this fundamental distinction, raising serious questions about their methodology and potential biases. Did they bother to analyze annual crime reports alongside records of offenses reported at LCs? What was their sample size and population? The survey’s credibility hinges on these crucial details, which, unfortunately, are nowhere to be found.
But here’s the thing: the police aren’t competing with LCs for handling crimes. In fact, the police would welcome the opportunity to focus on more serious cases while LCs handle petty administrative issues. This is why the police embrace alternative dispute resolution and community policing—to work collaboratively with the community, not in competition.
Moreover, the broad mandate of the police extends far beyond just handling crimes. They play a critical role in ensuring economic growth, maintaining public order, and providing emergency services. The police are the thin line between order and chaos, and their work is essential to the well-being of our society.
And let’s not forget the numbers: the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is constantly calling for more attorneys to handle the ever-increasing number of police cases sent for legal advice. The prisons are crying out due to congestion, caused by the criminals sent there through police efforts. In all these cases, there are complainants who are inevitably members of the public. So, whose interests is Afrobarometer serving?
It’s unfortunate that some organizations, like Afrobarometer, seem more interested in promoting a negative narrative than in presenting accurate information. The Uganda Police Force has sacrificed greatly to maintain law and order, and it’s time to recognize their efforts.
With the NGO Act in place, the regulator should ensure that reports like these are put under scrutiny. If found wanting, the perpetrators should be reprimanded. It’s time to call out these pessimists who seem to be hiding a criminal intention or a neo-colonial agenda against the government.
Let’s stand together in support of our police force and reject these blatant attempts to undermine their authority. We need tenacity, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to our nation’s progress. To those who seek to tear us down, we say: your intentions will not go undetected, and you will be held accountable according to the law.
It’s time to unmask the wolves in sheep’s clothing and expose their sinister agenda. We will not be swayed by their misleading reports and false narratives. Our police force is a shining example of bravery, dedication, and service, and we will continue to stand by them, no matter what.
