Frank Gashumba, Chairman of Mali Group and vocal activist, unleashed a torrent of criticism aimed squarely at the heads of various security agencies in Uganda in a scathing post on social media. Addressing the UPDF, Uganda Police, Internal Security Organisation, Military Police, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, Special Forces Command, and other sister agencies, Gashumba minced no words in expressing his frustration with the state of security in the country.
With an air of incredulity, Gashumba lamented the daily deluge of social media clips depicting Ugandans falling victim to assault, robbery, and even murder at the hands of street gangs in Kampala. He highlighted the testimonial reports and recordings showcasing the trauma experienced by both young females and males, often in broad daylight, due to rampant thuggery.
Asserting the primary duty of security agencies to protect lives and properties, Gashumba questioned the efficacy of their efforts, wondering aloud why taxpayers’ money was being spent on salaries for personnel who seemingly failed to fulfill their mandate.
Pulling no punches, Gashumba asserted that those incapable of quelling the rise of street gangs had no place donning the uniforms of Uganda’s security forces. He drew attention to a recent press release from the Uganda Police, warning Kampala residents to avoid certain “dark spots,” suggesting an admission of defeat in the face of rampant criminal activity.
Drawing a sharp contrast, Gashumba pointed to the UPDF’s successes in pacifying conflict zones in Somalia, South Sudan, and parts of Congo, questioning how the same force could falter in addressing the scourge of brazen criminality plaguing Uganda’s streets.
Promising further discussion on the matter, Gashumba announced a radio broadcast scheduled for 103.3FM on Monday, May 27th, 2024, from 9 am to 11 am. This broadcast, he hinted, would delve deeper into the pressing issues surrounding security and accountability in Uganda.
