It was Lunch Allowance, Not Bribe – Police Responds to Video Clip Controversy
“It was not self-deployment or an illegal operation as alleged. The operation took place on 23-24/2/2024. URSB organized an operation to crack down on counterfeits and trademark infringement of the detergent Jik. “He added.
Uganda police has cleared air on a video clip of its officers sharing money allegedly said to have been a bribe during their recent operation downtown at Trust Arcade in Kampala this week.
This has been revealed by the statement released by the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango.
As per Mr. Onyango's explanation, the funds were officially provided by Uganda Revenue Service Border and Head Quarters (URSBHQ) as a lunch allowance for the officers during their operation, contrary to widespread speculation suggesting bribery.
“.In the video, a police officer is seen carrying money in his hands. This money was officially given to the officers as a lunch allowance by @URSBHQ, not by traders. 5. If anyone has information contrary to the above, they are advised to kindly contact the Police Professional Standard Unit to provide evidence proving that officers were extorting money from traders. The matter will be investigated.” Onyango said in the statement.
The clarification comes as a relief amidst widespread concern sparked by the circulating video on social media alleging that police officers were sharing money they had extorted from business community during their operation in downtown at Trust Arcade.
"We watched a video clip circulating on social media alleging that Police Officers were sharing money they had extorted from the business community during their operation in downtown at Trust Arcade. We want to clarify as follows: 1.The operation was sanctioned by the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB). “Patrick Onyango posted.
“It was not self-deployment or an illegal operation as alleged. The operation took place on 23-24/2/2024. URSB organized an operation to crack down on counterfeits and trademark infringement of the detergent Jik. “He added.
https://twitter.com/PoliceUg/status/1762941896299561038
He further added that the operation was lawfully carried out with the full knowledge of police and business community's leadership.
“They requested police support, which the police accepted. 2.The operation was carried out with the full knowledge of the business community's leadership. 3.Police Officers did not demand or extort money from any trader.” Onyango stated.
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