East African Gazette
Kampala
Following its success in settling cases, the Police K9 Unit plans to expand to 13 additional stations to provide services in other parts of the country.
The Uganda Police Force’s (UPF) spokesperson, Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP), Fred Enanga, stated that the unit is preparing to expand services to another 13 stations in Kanungu, Kikagati (Isingiro district), Bukomansimbi (Greater Masaka), Nebbi, Apac, Adjumani, Agago, Butambala, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kibuku, Bukwo, and Kassanda.
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The 13 new deployments will increase the number of stations to 104 countrywide.
He stated that each station has at least two (02) sniffer dogs to aid in resolving crime.
Enanga stated that K9 services are being expanded, following the establishment of the Nagalama Breeding and Training Centre, which is currently operational.
According to him, the expense of importing a trainer sniffer dog from overseas varies between $5000 and $15000.
However, he stated that the Nagalama breeding centre has reduced the cost of obtaining a sniffer dog by more than 80%.
He revealed that the team now has 240 sniffer dogs and plans to increase to 300 by the end of the year (2024).
“A great deal of care is taken into selecting dogs for police work. It is vital to have a good temperament, physically fitness, inquisitive, well-socialized, bold, have strong motivation and be keen to interact and play with people. They are continually assessed for a period of time to assess suitability,” he added.
During the training, Enanga observed that the dog’s innate talents are recognized, fostered, and improved.
“Their speed, stigma and scent detection, and ability to quickly track and catch a suspect are all determined,” he explained.
Enanga expressed gratitude to the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) and its Development Partners for their important assistance in establishing a comprehensive breeding and training center.
He also thanked them for their assistance in obtaining breeding dogs, offering world-class instructors training on a global scale, and facilitating transportation with 26 motor vehicles and four tricycles.
5128 cases solved in three months
A recent report from the mini K9 Unit, shows that the Police dogs have successfully resolved a total of 5,128 cases within a just a span of three months, from January to March 31st, 2024.
While presenting the report on May 6, 2024 at the weekly joint security briefing at the police headquarters in Naguru, a Kampala suburb, Enanga highlighted that the diligent efforts of the dogs led to the tracking and subsequent arrest of 4,070 suspects.
They were also able to recover 1,633 exhibits during the same period.
The suspects comprised of 3,462 males, 387 females, and 224 juveniles.
Out of the total number of suspects, 1,284 were taken to court for further legal proceedings.
According to the 2023 Crime Report, the unit carried out 20,897 trackings, arresting 16,341 persons while 6,554 exhibits were recovered with the help of the canine unit.
Last year (2023), a total of 4, 906 trackings were conducted from January to December 31st, with 3,905 arrests.
Preserving crimes scenes
Enanga emphasized the importance of preserving crime scenes and reporting cases promptly to ease the K9 Unit’s work.
He noted that canine services are accessible around the clock at no cost.
To request canine services, the public can reach out to the Division Police Commanders (DPC), Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations Directorate (OC/CID), OC Station, or other relevant authorities at the station within their areas.
Enanga said for any additional assistance related to canines, individuals can also contact the toll-free line at 0800 300900.
Covering 91 districts
He observed that due to the unit’s success in combating crime, they are now extending assistance to 91 districts, in addition to the Narcotics Department at Entebbe International Airport and other border points with the help of explosives detection dogs.
He noted that under the Counter Terror Directorate, the stations include: Mukono,Gulu,Mbarara,Busia,Fort-Portal, Bushenyi,Kiira-Division,Masaka,Mpigi,Ntungamo, Iganga,Soroti,Kayunga,Lira,Kisoro,Ibanda,Rukungiri,Kawempe, Kazo,Hoima,Kibaale,Mubende,Jinja,Tororo,Kiryandongo, Kampala,Rubindi,Kiboga,Pallisa,Kamwenge,Bwera,Kalisizo, Serere,Luwero,Kasese,Sheema,Kitagata,Lyantonde,Mityana, Masindi,Lwengo,Kamuli,Kapchorwa,Buhweju,Entebbe,Arua,Mbale,Kabale,Isingiro,Kyenjojo,Sembabule,Sironko,Kakiri, Nagalama,Bundibugy,Rubirizi,Gomba,Kagadi,Butaleja,Rakai,Bunyangabo,Moroto,Kotido,Amuria, and Kakumiro.
Others are Karenga, Buikwe, Abim ,Nabilatuk, Mulanda (Tororo district), Kabong, Napark (EDD), Aviation police, Kumi ,Dokolo, Mitooma, Pader, Kapelebyong, Bulisa, Katakwi, Bukedea, Kawala, Kiruhura, Luuka, Lamwo, Mayuge, Kalungu and Amudat.