By Eumu Emmanuel
On Thursday, enraged residents of Kabarwa Sub-County in Bukedea District locked up the local police post, demanding the immediate transfer of its Officer in Charge, Mr. Oile Wilberforce. The protesters accused Mr. Oile of corruption, selective enforcement of the law, and collusion with criminals.
Carrying placards that read, “Oile is corrupt, transfer him immediately,” the demonstrators barricaded the officer’s office with thorns and tree branches, forcing other police officers to flee. Mr. Oile locked himself inside his office until assistance arrived from Bukedea Central Police Station around midday.
The unrest was sparked by an incident on Wednesday, where a group of young men, known locally as “vigilantes,” allegedly assaulted a boda boda rider identified only as Oberyany, leaving him fighting for his life. Witnesses reported that the beating occurred in plain view of Mr. Oile, who took no action.
Residents accused Mr. Oile of siding with criminals who have been terrorizing the community. “We can no longer tolerate his presence, which is why we are demanding his immediate transfer,” said Julius Otim, a resident.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, accused Mr. Oile of being corrupt, claiming that he only responds to security issues when bribed. “He has turned into a criminal, colluding with gangs that steal our livestock and assault us,” the resident added.
The protest disrupted activities in the area, affecting the Kabarwa Sub-County headquarters, Kabarwa Trading Center, and local schools. Kabarwa Local Council III Chairperson Ben Angura expressed concerns over Mr. Oile’s performance, citing multiple failures in addressing community security. He accused the officer of accepting bribes from violent criminal gangs in exchange for protection.
“A group of young men, wanted for attempting to form a militia, have returned and are setting up roadblocks, assaulting people mercilessly. Despite numerous reports, the OC has failed to respond,” Mr. Angura said. He recounted incidents where a young boy was abducted and injured after raising an alarm and the burning of a motorcycle during a recent assault.
Attempts to contact Mr. Oile for comment were unsuccessful, and calls to the District Police Commander (DPC) went unanswered. However, Bukedea Resident District Commissioner William Wilberforce Tukei confirmed that he had met with the DPC and agreed to transfer Mr. Oile from Kabarwa.
“In fact, he will not only be transferred but will also face administrative action and charges for his misconduct,” Mr. Tukei stated, adding that security agencies are actively investigating the issues raised by the residents.