Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has terminated contracts of 47 law enforcement assistants over failure to adhere to the core values of the institution.
The Minister for Security, Hon. Muruli Mukasa told Parliament that the current establishment for Law Enforcement Assistants stands at 334, all under the direct supervision of the Manager Security and Enforcement.
He said that over 40 Law Enforcement Assistants have been terminated in a period of one year mostly because of failure to adhere to the core values of the institution
He said that there has been an overhaul in their command structure with the introduction of a Senior Police Officer as Manager of Enforcement and Security.
The Minister said that the assistants attend daily morning parades where issues of discipline are emphasized, tactical orders are given and registration of attendance is done. He also said that enforcement assistants are frequently reminded on the desired behaviors and reporting structures in case a situation gets out of control.
Minister Mukasa said that the enforcement staff support the Physical Planning Directorate in enforcing compliance with physical planning regulations under the Physical Planning Act; maintain law and order; and back up public health officers in the execution of public health functions.
The officers also support public health officers in the regulation of noise emissions and aid revenue officers in collection of local taxes.
Legislators said the enforcement assistants used unnecessary force while carrying out their mandate, and in the end committed human rights abuses, damaged property and sometimes led to loss of lives.
MPs however agreed there was need for cleanliness, law and order in the City and appreciated KCCA ED Jennifer Musisi’s efforts in ensuring this, but prayed that the KCCA staff put a human face in their operations.
“We need to address the way they do their work. I doubt their training considering the way they brutalize people. The assistants should handle people with dignity,” said Hon. Jovah Kamateeka (NRM, Mitooma district).
Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central) said if excesses by KCCA law enforcers are not checked, it could lead to anarchy in the country.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (NRM, Kinkiizi East) appealed to KCCA to re-think the recruitment, management, operations and supervision of law enforcement assistants.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, said KCCA actions and evictions had left hundreds of people homeless in Naguru and along the railway line, and asked the Committee on Presidential Affairs to follow up issues raised by Members.