Police SACCO in Turmoil as Minister Flags Mismanagement During Defence Committee Tour of Naguru

What the report says

Internal Affairs Minister Juma Witonze has called for urgent attention to complaints about the management of the Police SACCO, saying he has received repeated concerns since taking office two weeks ago. According to Nile Post, he said the issue needs to be fixed to rebuild confidence among police officers who save money through the scheme.

Witonze made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Police headquarters in Naguru by the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs. The tour was meant to assess police operations and inspect ongoing projects, including 1,200 housing units for lower-ranking officers, a forensic evidence analysis laboratory, a new police headquarters building and the National CCTV Command Centre.

The minister also urged Parliament to increase the Police budget so the force can complete current projects and improve welfare and service delivery. Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba made a similar appeal, saying more funds are needed for recruitment and training, additional CCTV cameras under the next phase of the project, uniforms and other operational needs. Police also told the committee that overall crime was falling, though cattle theft, vandalism of electricity infrastructure and road crashes remained concerns.

Committee chair Robinah Rwakoojo praised the progress at Naguru and said the panel would support stronger funding. The committee is expected to submit a report to Parliament with recommendations on the Police budget and the SACCO concerns.