Brigadier General Christopher Damulira, the head of the Crime Intelligence Directorate, has urged young people to collaborate with the police to contribute to the development of the country. He made these remarks during a security meeting held at Gwanda Market in Kisenyi, which brought together various stakeholders, including market vendors, taxi operators, boda-boda riders, and ghetto youth from different areas.
The meeting, which was attended by leaders from markets such as St. Balikuddembe, Nakasero, and Gwanda, as well as representatives from ghetto structures and NRM groups like NRM High Command and NRM Yellow Power, aimed to strengthen community policing and security. Brigadier General Damulira was the chief guest at the event.
Several leaders and youth representatives praised President Museveni for appointing General Damulira, whose legal expertise has improved collaboration between the police and the community. They also commended the improved relationship between security forces and civilians, which has helped reduce cases of wrongful arrests.
Some youth, however, appealed to the president to extend support to younger ghetto residents who were not included in earlier programs. They expressed concern that many young people are still trapped in poverty and need opportunities to improve their lives.
Market leaders, including Richard Lubega of Gwanda Market and Faridah Kimuli of Nakasero Market, also shared their views on how they can be supported to enhance security and development in their areas.
Rashid Ssekindi, the leader of the taxi operators, revealed that they have been working with ghetto youth in the taxi business for some time. He thanked General Damulira for his efforts in resolving conflicts within the taxi industry and providing legal guidance to ghetto youth, which has brought stability to Kampala and the country at large.
Kalyango Shafic, the head of Ghetto Structure, along with Tinyefuza Juma and Shafic Ali Nsubuga, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Kampala, also praised the president for his efforts to improve the livelihoods and security of ghetto communities.
In his message, General Damulira thanked the president for providing financial support and enabling ghetto youth to form SACCOs, which have helped combat poverty—a major contributor to crime in the country. He also commended the improved relationship between the police and the public, which has reduced cases of wrongful arrests.
General Damulira concluded by urging Ugandans not to despise any form of work and encouraged them to join the police force to serve their country and improve their livelihoods. He revealed that the police have already begun recruiting and aim to enlist 1,000 new officers.
