BUKEDEA - Locals in Kabarwa Sub-county, Bukedea District, took control of the local police post on Thursday, demanding the immediate transfer of its officer in charge, Mr. Oile Wilbroad.
The demonstrators accused Mr. Oile of engaging in corrupt activities, practicing selective law enforcement, and colluding with criminal elements.
A multitude gathered at the Kabarwa police post, carrying placards that bore the inscription, “Oile is corrupt, transfer him promptly!” They obstructed access to the officer’s office with thorns and tree branches, compelling police officers to evacuate while Mr. Oile hid himself until midday, awaiting support from Bukedea Central Police Station.
The agitation was ignited by an incident on Wednesday, in which a faction of young men assaulted a boda boda rider identified as Oberyang, leaving him in a critical condition. Witnesses recounted that the assault unfolded in full view of the officer.
“Mr. Oile has aligned himself with criminal elements to instill fear in the community. We are unable to cooperate with him any longer, hence our demand for his immediate relocation,” remarked resident Julius Otim.
Another resident, opting to remain unnamed, accused Oile of being so morally corrupt that he solely responds to security matters when monetary incentives are provided. “He has devolved into a rogue element, supporting gangs that steal our livestock and perpetrate assaults against us,” the resident further asserted.
The protest brought about a standstill in the locality, impacting the Kabarwa Sub-county headquarters, Kabarwa trading center, and educational institutions.
Kabarwa Local Council III Chairperson Ben Angura highlighted a series of deficiencies in addressing community safety. He alleged that the officer accepted bribes from violent criminal syndicates in exchange for protection.
He recounted episodes where a juvenile was abducted and harmed after sounding an alarm, as well as the torching of a motorcycle during a recent assault.
Efforts to reach Mr. Oile for a statement proved futile, and the DPC’s phone calls went unanswered. Nonetheless, Bukedea Resident District Commissioner (RDC) William Wilberforce Tukei affirmed that he had conferred with the DPC and concurred on relocating Mr. Oile from Kabarwa.
“In actuality, he will not only be transferred but will also face administrative measures and allegations for his transgressions,” Mr. Tukei declared. He added that security agencies are actively probing the concerns raised, encompassing the suspected gang operations and the alleged involvement of a soldier in training local criminal factions.
Source: Endigyito Radio
