Police K9-Unit performs over 5000 crime trackings in three months

Kampala, (UG):- The Police K9, a specialized unit of the Police Force that supports other police departments and units to prevent, detect and investigate crime has achieved remarkable success nationwide with a total of 5128 trackings during the period of January to March 2024.

The development was revealed by Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga during a media briefing on Monday, May 06, at Naguru headquarters in Kampala.

Currently, Mr Enanga said the unit is extending support to 91 districts, as well as the Narcotics Department at Entebbe International Airport, and other border points with explosives detection Dogs, and now with the remarkable achievement reached by the K-9 has triggered the extension of the unit’s services to 13 more districts across the country.

“The K9 Unit is also making preparations to extend services to the following stations of Kanungu, Kikagati (Isingiro district), Bukomansimbi (Greater Masaka), Nebbi, Apac, Adjumani, Agago, Butambala, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kibuku, Bukwo, and Kassanda,” Mr Enanga stated.

“These 13 additional deployments will bring the number of stations to 104. Each station has at least two (02) sniffer Dogs,” he added.

Mr Enanga also revealed that the police will continue to expand our K9 services, thanks to the operationalization of our breeding and training centre at Nagalama.

Explaining how dogs are selected to form the unit’s K-9 force, the police spokesperson said a great deal of care is taken into selecting dogs for police work.

“It is vital to have a good temperament, be physically fit, inquisitive, well-socialized, bold, have strong motivation and be keen to interact and play with people. They are continually assessed for a period of time to assess suitability,” Mr Enanga remarked, adding that the cost of importing a trainer sniffer dog, from abroad ranges from USD 5000 – 15000.

“Throughout training the dog’s natural abilities are identified, encouraged and enhanced. Their speed, stigma and scent detection, and ability to quickly track and catch a suspect are determined.”

		JAN	FEB	MAR	TOTAL
01	Number of tracking performed	1,717	1,677	1,734	5,128
02	Number of persons arrested	1,439	1,301	1,333	4,070
	(i) Males	1,205	1,115	1,142	3,462
	(ii) Females	147	122	118	387
	(iii) Juveniles	87	64	73	224
	(a) Males	83	58	70	211
	(b) Females	04	06	03	13
03	Number of persons taken to court	552	498	534	1,284
04	Exhibits recovered	569	527	537	1,633

		JAN	FEB	MAR	TOTAL
01	Number of tracking performed	1615	1649	1638	4,902
02	Number of persons arrested	1,324	1,307	1,274	3,905
	(i)              Males	1110	1069	1066	3,245
	(ii)           Females	136	130	128	394
	(iii)        Juveniles	78	108	80	266
	(a)Males	61	70	66	197
	(b)Females	17	38	14	69
03	Number of persons taken to court	496	514	447	1,457
04	Exhibits recovered	619	481	538	1,638

Since the establishment of the Nagalama breeding centre, Enanga says the cost of acquiring a sniffer dog has been reduced by more than 80%. We currently have 240 sniffer dogs, and expect to reach 300 by the end of this year.

He added that the Police’s canine services are available 24/7 and are free to charge, urging the general public to seek these services through the DPC, OC CID, and OC station or any other relevant authorities available in the station.

“We want to thank JLOS and its Development Partners for their support towards the establishment of a fully-fledged breeding and training centre at Nagalama Police Station, Procurement of breeding dogs, training of instructors at international level, provision of 26 motor vehicles and 04 tricycles to facilitate the transport sector,” he said.

“For any further help, regarding canine, please call Toll free line – 0800 300900,”