The Uganda Police Force yesterday confirmed receiving a fleet of improved classified anti-riots control vehicles (RCVs) for Public Order Management and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to address the political pressure.
According to the police, the tactical armoured vehicles will be used in volatile areas like Karamoja and combat zones in Somalia to guarantee law and safety of civilians.
The equipment was delivered by AIGP Richard Edyegu, the Director of Engineering and Logistics at Police headquarters Naguru on Thursday.
The Deputy IGP Maj. Gen. Tumusiime Kasigazi said the equipment will boost the police capabilities to deal with urban riots and demonstrations.
Opposition politicians have however scoffed at the government for prioritizing combative security yet the key areas like the fire department are still ill equipped.
“How I wish this whole money was injected in purchasing fire trucks. That would have been better than wasting billions procuring anti riot trucks as if we have witnessed any serious protest in the past 3 years,” one NUP supporter said.
The procured equipment includes 15 armored personnel carriers, 50 riot control vehicles, among others.
