Professional Standards Unit (PSU) in Aswa River region is investigating Police management in Kitgum district for granting an inmate unregulated access to government vehicles.
The inquiry follows the wide circulation of a photograph of an inmate in Prisoners’ yellow uniform riding a Police Motorcycle registration number UP4232 in the heart of Kitgum town.
The photo went viral on social media over the weekend attracting wide public condemnation and criticism of Police.
A source within PSU says Police is being criticised for endangering the life of Babylon Anywar, the inmate who was riding the bike by allowing him to ride unaccompanied to town.
“We also think that the inmate could have disappeared with the government vehicle. We also want to know whether the inmate was indeed duly paid for his services,” a source who preferred anonymity stated.
Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Police Spokesperson for Aswa River region, confirmed the investigation saying PSU is interested in general circumstances surrounding the incident. He says the investigation is being done under file reference PSU/Aswa/GEF/47/2017.
Okema says Police will not hesitate to punish the officer in charge of the bike if found to have violated vehicle handling procedures.
ASP Moses Okello, the Kitgum Police Commander said he was traveling to discuss the matter with URN when contacted for a comment on phone.
