216 Police Officers Abandon Counter-Terrorism Training

At least 216 police officers are in trouble after they escaped from a counter terrorism training that ended today.

Four months ago, Uganda Police Force sent 421 police officers to Nakasongola Airbase for advanced training in counter terrorism. The officers were supposed to acquire skills in urban fighting, Land Warfare, canal handling and specialised airborne training among others necessary in combating terrorism.

However, only 205 officers managed to complete the four-month course conducted by Israeli commandos. They graduated as warriors, tactical rappellers, canal operators, snipers, medics and Canine handlers.

Andrew Felix Kaweesi, the police director of Human Resource Development who took over as spokesperson of the force, explains that 216 officers escaped from the training and returned to their duty stations without authorisation from the trainers.

Kaweesi says that the officers will appear before Police disciplinary court to explain why they escaped.

He adds that those without justifiable reasons will either be expelled or penalised as deemed fit by disciplinary court.

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Luganda

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A URN reporter in Nakasongola couldn't reach the officers for comments but reports indicate some escaped due to poor health and/or failure to adjust to the rigors of the training.

Internal Affairs minister General Jeje Odongo commended those who persevered to complete the course saying training is not an option but the life of the force.

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The Deputy Inspector of General of Police Okoth Ochola revealed that the force doesn't plan to recruit personnel this financial year but to retrain its officers to acquire skills in counter-terrorism and other areas.

He however decried low funding and asked Minister Jeje Odongo to take action on the matter.