Police cautions against setting bush fires
Police cautions against setting bush fires
2 January 2009
published by www.newvision.co.ug
Uganda — Setting bush fires, a practice commonly done in the dry season, is a capital offence, with a penalty of 14 years, if convicted.
Apac Police liaison officer, Lawrence Omara Ogole said at least 50 grass thatched houses and 15 simsim gardens were reportedly burnt by wild fires in December. He was addressing listeners over Apac FM radio station on Wednesday.
Omara said arson was being committed by villagers including children without knowing that it is criminal. He promised to visit all sub-counties during the on-going community policing programme to sensitise the masses on arson.
Omara urged local councils to caution people against the practice. He advised officers to handle cases of arson with urgency so that properties are saved from fires. Omara also warned Police officers against misuse of guns to enforce law and order.
He said that unwarranted use of force is a criminal act and would lead to the prosecution of the offending officer in courts of law. Before applying force and firearms, ask yourself, if the action you are going to take is backed by the law, Omara cautioned.
