The Uganda Police Canine Unit, once considered a crucial component in crime detection and prevention, is now facing serious allegations of mismanagement and abuse of power.
A whistleblower within the Uganda Police has revealed a series of concerns about the leadership of the unit, headed by Commissioner of Police (CP) Dr. Martin Mugume.
These allegations, if substantiated, could mark a significant blow to the unit’s credibility and effectiveness.
The whistleblower claims that under CP Dr. Mugume’s leadership, the Canine Unit has been deeply compromised by severe mismanagement.
The unit, which operates specialised sniffer dogs to assist in crime detection, has reportedly become a tool for personal vendettas.
Top officers are accused of sanctioning fabricated arrests based on false charges, often without legal justification.
Many of those detained are said to be held for extended periods without trial, a direct violation of their rights.
The whistleblower’s report highlights how the absence of proper Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reports leaves many Ugandans in legal limbo, struggling to seek justice.
This manipulation of legal processes, according to the report, has led to an erosion of public trust in the Canine Unit and the Uganda Police more broadly.
Another serious allegation concerns financial exploitation within the unit. Despite public assurances by CP Mugume that the services of sniffer dogs are free, the whistleblower claims that Ugandans have been coerced into paying for these services.
Moreover, it is alleged that crime statistics are being manipulated to justify the unit’s funding.
A recent report credited the Canine Unit with 6,843 arrests in a span of six months, but insiders suggest many of these arrests are fabricated to bolster the unit’s perceived success and secure additional resources from police headquarters.
The whistleblower claims these funds are then mismanaged.
Beyond financial exploitation, the Canine Unit is reportedly being used to settle personal scores. Citizens are said to be arrested on baseless charges stemming from minor disputes, with the arrests serving as a form of intimidation.
Even junior officers are not immune to the alleged mismanagement, with those resisting participation in unethical practices facing demotion or reassignment.
The whistleblower indicates that this atmosphere of fear has severely undermined the unit’s morale and integrity. Junior officers, despite their specialized training, are reassigned to general duties, effectively wasting their expertise.
While these posts portray the Canine Unit as highly effective, serious cases—such as the Masaka murders and an attack on senior police officer Baguma Frederick—remain inadequately addressed.
A case of aggravated robbery in Katwe highlights the unit’s potential, but also its shortcomings. Despite successfully tracking suspects using sniffer dogs, no stolen items were recovered, raising questions about the unit’s actual effectiveness under its current leadership.
Perhaps the most serious issue raised by the whistleblower is the Canine Unit’s impact on human rights. Innocent Ugandans are said to be wrongfully accused and detained without evidence, while being charged illegal fees for services that should be free. Victims often have no means to challenge their wrongful arrests, as the lack of CID reports hampers their ability to seek legal recourse. This systemic abuse of power, according to the whistleblower, has caused widespread suffering.
Contacted to substantiate on the allegations, CP Mugume couldn’t pick our repeated calls.
MORE WHISTLEBLOWERS REPORTS WILL BE PUBLISHED!
