Inspector General of Police has requested Iran to train Uganda Police in combating terrorism, a crime that is increasingly become a security threat in the region.
“Iran is advanced in policing, modern in science and technology. They are willing to share with us their expertise and train Uganda Police especially in counter terrorism and drug trafficking. We are looking at opening a police university and this is an area we need support,” Gen Kale Kayihura told journalists.
While receiving the visiting Iran Commander-in-Chief Brig Gen Ismaeil Ahamdi Moghadam at his office at Naguru Police Barracks on Thursday, Mr Kayihura was optimistic that the relationship between the two countries will further professionalise the Uganda Police in the long run.
Brig. Moghadam arrived in Uganda on Wednesday for a five day visit in which he will tour police facilities with the help of developing its capacity and capabilities. He is accompanied by three brigadiers, two colonels and a lieutenant.
Responding to Kayihura’s call, Brig Moghadam said Iran would consider Uganda’s request and make an official communication soon.
Interpol and Peace Support Director Asan Kasingye said the visit of Brig Gen Moghadam is part of the memorandum of understanding between the presidents of Uganda and Islamic Republic of Iran. In the MoU, the government of Iran accepted to build a 500-bed hospital for the police, a polyclinic, train police officers and also build capacity in forensic science and cybercrime management.
Mr Kasingye said the Iran government also accepted to help Uganda police to build accommodation in barracks.
Uganda Police Force which has 44,000 officers has an accommodation shortage as high as 76 per cent, which means 30,000 officers have no housing units.
“After the visit, Brig Gen Moghadam and Gen Kayihura will sign a memorandum of understanding in which they will agree on the roadmap of the police support,” he said.
The Monitor
UM– USEKE.RW
