Lira City Launches Police Canine Vehicle UP02997 to Strengthen Crime Responses

By Regina Lalam Olal

LIRA CITY, 5th October 2026 - The Uganda Police Force has today launched a specialized Canine Vehicle Number at Lira City Central Police Station to boost rapid response to crime scenes and improve the operations of the police dog unit.

The function was presided over by the Deputy Director of Operations of the Uganda Police Force, CP Okoshi Simon Peter, who was the Guest of Honour.

 The new vehicle will facilitate quick transportation of police dogs and their handlers to crime scenes for tracking, search, rescue and detection operations across the North Kyoga Region.

 The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City, Mr. Emmy Lawrence Egole, commended the police force for the improved security situation in Lango Sub-region.

He said armed robberies that had terrorized the region have now significantly reduced due to strong coordination between the Uganda Police Force, UPDF and other security agencies. "We no longer hear of armed robberies in the region. It is becoming history because of the commitment of our police force and our sister forces like UPDF," Egole said.

 He described the canine vehicle as a vital operational tool that will improve mobility, rapid response and the welfare of police dogs which play a unique role in keeping communities safe.

In a humorous remark, the RCC noted that police dogs "earn salaries but consume everything they earn," urging handlers to ensure proper care and feeding of the dogs. Egole however appealed to police leadership to provide new operational vehicles for Lira City, revealing that three Divisional Police Commanders are using old vehicles that are in poor mechanical condition.

"We are still cooking with very old pots. They will soon break and the food will pour, and people will have nothing to eat," he said, referring to the old fleet. He also asked the police leadership to investigate circumstances under which a newly delivered vehicle for Lira District broke down shortly after receipt. 

He thanked the Inspector General of Police for improving transport logistics and pledged continued cooperation from the Office of the President.

 The Guest of Honour, CP Okoshi Simon Peter, cautioned police officers against reckless driving and misuse of government vehicles. "Be kind to the vehicle.

Treat it as if it is your car. Don't say this is just a government car and drive it recklessly," he warned. He said a single police patrol vehicle costs over Shs200 million while a Riot Control Vehicle (RCV) costs close to Shs1 billion, resources that could build decent police barracks if saved.

He revealed that police leadership is exploring cost-cutting measures such as producing its own bricks for construction to save money for staff accommodation. On promotions, CP Okoshi said the process is ongoing and is done according to available vacancies and structure, urging officers to be patient.

"We are doing our part. Not everybody can be promoted at the same time," he said. He praised the people of Lango for being honest and hardworking and urged police to maintain good community relations and to fight mob justice by ensuring suspects are arrested and taken to court. 

The Deputy Mayor of Lira City, Ms. Rebecca Alwedo Ogole, who represented the City Mayor, welcomed the initiative and thanked North Kyoga Police for choosing Lira City to host the launch. 

She said the canine unit had been facing operational challenges but the new vehicle will improve its effectiveness. She appealed for adequate staffing of the unit and called for public sensitization on preserving crime scenes. "Police dogs often face difficulties tracing evidence because members of the public tamper with crime scenes before the canine team arrives," she noted.

 She said massive awareness will improve cooperation between police and the community.

Meanwhile , The Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, Hillary Mukiza, said the launch marks a critical step forward in enhancing community policing and crime prevention. 

"Modern crimes require modern solutions. The support and equipment you have provided, including the vehicle, will play a key role in strengthening our efforts in crime prevention," Mukiza said.

He assured the police leadership that the vehicle will be well maintained and optimally utilized. "Security is a shared responsibility.

 I call upon all members of the community to continue working closely with security personnel, sharing information, and protecting public assets," he added. The new canine vehicle has now been officially rolled into service to serve Lira City and the entire Lango Sub-region.