KCCA TO INTRODUCE BODY-WORN CAMERAS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is to introduce body cameras as a tool to help hold law enforcement officers accountable and more transparent.

A surveillance system will also be put in place whereby even when an officer removes or switches off the camera they will still be known.

The cameras will enable enforcement officers record footage when they have interactions, such as arrests, with members of the public.

The equipment will also enable KCCA legal department to collect evidence during investigations or better defend their actions during a particular encounter.

Dorothy Kisaka, the KCCA Executive Director said this initiative will help rebuild trust with the communities and reduce citizen complaints.

On Wednesday, Kisaka had an engagement with the law enforcement officers and cautioned them to act with restraint and caution in dealing with the people.

“In the past few days there have been increased reports of public disquiet especially down town. There are many reports of indiscipline, theft and assaulting people that are coming in,” Kisaka said.

Law enforcement officers are the most visible frontline workers and representatives of the KCCA brand.

“There are some bad apples among you who are spoiling the job. We cannot allow indiscipline, assault, battering, theft to go on as we watch. This must stop,” Kisaka said.

Currently the team is undergoing training on the usage of this body camera technology which is part of the grand strategy of actualizing the Smart City strategy.

Kisaka appreciated the enforcement team for the great work they have done towards the decongestion of Kampala.

“I want to appreciate you for the good work. We have been receiving great feedback, you have been supporting the decongestion exercise. Thank you and continue doing us great,” Kisaka said.

Apart from the body cameras, KCCA is engaging enforcement officers in physical fitness exercises and mindset programs.

However, some of the enforcement officers apportioned blame on the former staff of KCCA who are extorting people.

“There are some people who need to be arrested by police. They left the institution but the public still associate them with KCCA. They are the ones stealing people’s things,” one of the enforcement officers said.

The Director Human Resource and Administration Grace Akullo urged the officers to perform their duties with understanding and empathy and acknowledge the immense suffering of people.

“You must in all instances act with fairness and impartiality. Any acts seen as being biased and unfair will add to the distrust which already exists,” Akullo said.

She warned that public mistrust of the law enforcement would have dire consequences for the city and lead to irreparable harm.

“We want to get to the root of these problems to ensure we do better.  The issues are too much and we are not happy with what is happening in the community,” Akullo said.

KCCA has a total of 128 enforcement officers who are legally entrusted with maintaining trade order in the city.