The head of Community Policing Department in the Uganda Police Force,  ACP Anatoli Muleterwa, has called upon local authorities in Kigezi region to work hand in hand with security agencies as one way of fighting against the spread of #COVID-19 along border lines.

Muleterwa, who was in the company of SP Cyprian Okiino, made the call as he met local leaders and heads of security at the border lines of Bunagana,  Cyanika, Katuna and Mirama hills, Kikagati and Mutukula on Monday.

“We realized that the only way to prevent Covid and enforcement of presidential directives can only be effective by mobilising the community and their  leaders, by mobilising the communities and sensitizing them on how to prevent the spread of #COVID-19,  step up vigilance, alertness on borders and patterning to fight other general crimes and ensure community support.  As  you are aware the nature of the borders along these areas being porous in nature. So, when we invigorate and mobilize the community through their local leaders and business communities, we shall be able to overcome all the challenges affecting effective implementation of Presidential directives and Ministry of Health SOPs along border lines. We feel that if this is stepped up, we shall control illegal border movements and the spread of #COVID,” ACP Muleterwa said.

To this, he called for cooperation in the fight against Coronavirus as it is one of the pillars of community policing.

“I am in support of the local authorities who have assured us of their cooperation through which they will share information, patrol with the Police and its sister security agencies.We have also gone ahead to call upon our police officers to ensure that they supervise, guide, empower and seek for community support and by so doing, they will be so proactive which can only be a success if we are more interactive, open and vigilant,” he noted.