Police acquires new anti-riot vehicles

Police said the tactical armored vehicles are to be used in volatile areas such as Karamoja and combat zones in Somalia to guarantee the safety of officers and protect communities.

The equipment was handed over by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), Richard Edyegu, who also doubles as the director of engineering and logistics at police headquarters Naguru on Thursday.

While receiving the vehicles, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, noted that the equipment will improve the operational readiness of the Force, and will utilise them for better performance.

“We need to utilise these machines to do better. It is upon us that they are properly maintained and ensure they last longer and serve the purpose,” said Katsigazi.

He added that the equipment is evidence that police are geared towards serving the community better and ensuring that they and their property are protected.

Katsigazi thanked Government for equipping and supporting the Police.

On the other hand, AIGP Richard Edyegu noted that the main objective of this procurement was the need to equip Field Force Police with improved versions of the armored personnel carriers and riot control vehicles that can handle the current operational challenges.

The procurement is also meant to improve the operational capacity of Anti stock theft unit in the Karamoja area by providing the personnel with safer and quicker means of transport as they protect and patrol in the Karamoja sub-region.

The equipment includes 15 armored personnel carriers, 50 riot control vehicles