KAMPALA– The Natete Police Station is currently holding a suspect, identified as Abdul Kirumira, who has been captured on multiple occasions vandalizing security CCTV cameras by throwing stones at them in various areas, including Kabojja.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, this is not the first instance of the suspect’s involvement in such activities.
The motive behind the suspect’s actions is yet to be determined and is pending investigation. “Some witnesses said they saw him also digging up the camera poles. He will be subjected to mental check-up, and once he is found normal then he shall face charges of destroying government properties.“ Owoyesigyire said.
Meanwhile, in his first press-briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters the newly appointed Police Spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, has urged the public to take an active role in protecting the security CCTV cameras installed in their areas.
He has emphasized their crucial role in combating crime. “We urge the members of the public to also start assisting Police to protect such very important installations safely. Because we need them operating to support the effective policing in our area. Rusoke said.
The recent report from the Police ICT department highlighted intermittent power supply and vandalism as a significant challenge affecting CCTV camera operations, particularly within the Kampala Metropolitan areas.
However, Lusoke has assured that this issue has been addressed, resulting in the successful capture of criminals in recent incidents, including gang attacks on unsuspecting victims, which were largely facilitated by footage from functional CCTV cameras.
“Yes there could be one or two not functioning but we are the maintenance teams that are working really well. You saw the way police used the cameras to wipe-out the gang that was recently kicking people on streets and robbing them how we dealt with them using the CCTV camera footage. So yes, Police cameras are now functioning.” Rusoke noted.
