CCTV Cameras in Kisoro ‘Ineffective’ because of Heavy Trucks

By Gerald Niyirinda

Police in Kisoro has said heavy trucks carrying merchandise meant for trade unknowingly park under CCTV cameras to unload their goods which frustrates Police’s ability to carry out effective surveillance.

The Comment was raised during a meeting organized by the Uganda Police and the business community in Kisoro Municiplaity.

In charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Kisoro Main Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mulungi William said crimes that could have easily been tracked using CCTV cameras are often hampered by the heavy trucks and buses that park directly under the view of the CCTV cameras.

Mulungi explained that some crimes are successfully captured on the CCTV cameras however communities have not been aware that it takes 90 days for the system to delete the footage and record something new.

He advised the business community to follow up their cases within the specified period of time and also consider install personal CCTV cameras at their business premises.

Kisoro district, located at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has experienced a spate of crimes in recent years ranging from aggravated robbery, burglary and assault along the streets of Kisoro Municipality.

SSP Bernard Mugerwa, the Kisoro District Police Commander says the cameras have been a vital addition to the Police force aiding in monitoring of known danger spots however due to darkness within the town at night, Police efforts are still being negatively affected.

He called upon the head of Business Community Byensi Expedito to lobby further from the Director of ICT in the Uganda Police Force.

Senior Commissioner of Police Felix Baryamwisaki is the head of the ICT directorate at Uganda Police.

The head of Business in Kisoro and former District Speaker, Byensi Expedito said the business community have always snubbed such important security meetings and yet they are the first to run to Police when they have been robbed.

He called the business community, especially dealers in wholesale stores of plastics, cement and beverages to adhere to the Police guidelines and urged heavy truck owners to park their vehicles more responsibly.