POLICE K9 PERFORMS 5,128 TRACKINGS DURING JANUARY TO MARCH 2024; AS 13 MORE DISTRICTS GET EARMARKED FOR K9 SERVICES

As you are all aware, the police K9 is a specialized unit of the Police Force, that supports other police departments and units, to prevent, detect and investigate crime. This is done through the use of specifically bred service dogs, which undergo extensive training, that enables them to assist their human partners or handlers, with a variety of tasks. The most common K9 duties include; suspect tracking and apprehension, narcotic and explosive detection, search and rescue, and crowd control/dispersal. Currently, the unit is extending support to 91 districts, as well as the Narcotics Department at Entebbe International Airport, other border points with explosives detection Dogs. Under the Counter Terror Directorate. The stations include; Mukono,Gulu,Mbarara,Busia,Fort-Portal,Bushenyi,Kiira-Division,Masaka,Mpigi,Ntungamo, Iganga,Soroti,Kayunga,Lira,Kisoro,Ibanda,Rukungiri,Kawempe,Kazo,Hoima,Kibaale,Mubende, Jinja,Tororo,Kiryandongo,Kampala,Rubindi,Kiboga,Pallisa,Kamwenge,Bwera,Kalisizo,Serere, Luwero,Kasese,Sheema,Kitagata,Lyantonde,Mityana,Masindi,Lwengo,Kamuli,Kapchorwa, Buhweju,Entebbe,Arua,Mbale,Kabale,Isingiro,Kyenjojo,Sembabule,Sironko,Kakiri,Nagalama, Bundibugy,Rubirizi,Gomba,Kagadi,Butaleja,Rakai,Bunyangabo,Moroto,Kotido,Amuria, Kakumiro, Karenga, Buikwe, Abim ,Nabilatuk, Mulanda (Tororo district), Kabong, Napark (EDD), Aviation police, Kumi ,Dokolo, Mitooma, Pader,  Kapelebyong, Bulisa, Katakwi, Bukedea, Kawala, Kiruhura, Luuka, Lamwo, Mayuge, Kalungu and Amudat.

The K9 Unit is also making preparations to extend services to the following stations of Kanungu, Kikagati (Isingiro district), Bukomansimbi (Greater Masaka), Nebbi, Apac, Adjumani, Agago, Butambala, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kibuku, Bukwo, and Kassanda. These 13 additional deployments will bring the number of stations to 104. Each station has at least two (02) sniffer Dogs.

We continue to expand our K9 services, following the operationalization of our breeding and training centre at Nagalama. A great deal of care is taken into selecting dogs for police work. It is vital to have a good temperament, physically fit, inquisitive, well-socialized, bold, have strong motivation and be keen to interact and play with people. They are continually assessed for a period of time to assess suitability. The cost of importing a trainer sniffer dog, from abroad ranges from USD 5000 – 15000. Throughout training the dog’s is natural abilities are identified, encouraged and enhanced. Their speed, stigma and scent detection, and ability to quickly track and catch a suspect are determined.

The Police Dog is rewarded and praised for its hard work, given good food, care, exercise and protection. All police dogs are kept in a Police Kennel, where they remain bonded with a handler. During operational duties, the dog is housed in the Police Van which is specifically adapted for the Dog’s safety and comfort. They are regularly watered and exercised by their handlers.

The public is reminded to always preserve the crime scenes, and to report their cases to the nearest police station or post in a timely manner. Canine services are available 24/7 and are free to charge. The general public should seek services of canine from the DPC, OC CID and OC station or any other relevant authorities available in the station. For any further help, regarding canine, please call Toll free line – 0800 300900.

Since the establishment of Nagalama breeding centre, the cost of acquiring a sniffer do, has been reduced by more than 80%. We currently have 240 sniffer dogs, and expert to reach 300 by the end of this year.

We want to thank JLOS and its Development Partners for their support towards the establishment of a fully-fledged breeding and training centre at Nagalama Police Station, Procurement of breeding dogs, training of instructors at international level, provision of 26 motor vehicles and 04 tricycles to facilitate the transport sector.

TRACKING RETURNS FROM 01^ST JANUARY 2024 TO 31^ST MARCH 2024                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

TRACKING RETURNS FROM 01^ST JANUARY 2023 TO 31^ST DECEMBER 2023

SCP Enanga Fred

Police Spokesperson

6^th May 2024