The latest criminal investigation statistics reveal that a total of 6,843 suspects have been apprehended over the last six months, thanks to the assistance of police sniffer dogs.
According to Dr Martin Mugume, the head of the police canine unit, the establishment of the breeding and training center located in Nagalama, Mukono district, has enabled them to deploy sniffer dogs to all major police stations. These highly skilled canines have played a crucial role in tracking suspects from crime scenes to their places of concealment.
Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, attributes the canine unit’s success to effective leadership and the rigorous training provided to the sniffer dog handlers.
Enanga commends the commendable work carried out by the commandant, management team, and dog handlers of the police canine unit.
“A total of 2,463 suspects were presented in court over the past five months,” said Enanga.
Dr. Mugume’s report indicates that the canine unit has received a total of 8,463 cases requiring the deployment of sniffer dogs. Furthermore, during the six-month period, the unit successfully recovered 2,883 exhibits, ranging from firearms and narcotics to murder weapons and stolen items, with the invaluable assistance of these highly trained dogs.
Given the recent terror incidents and the UK’s warning about potential attacks in Uganda, Enanga urges the public to exercise vigilance and promptly report any abandoned items, such as bags, so that sniffer dogs can be deployed to detect any potentially dangerous contents.
With at least 45 bomb scares and incidents involving explosives handled by the police between January and June, the security situation remains a concern. Consequently, every Ugandan is encouraged to exercise caution and remain alert, prioritizing the safety of themselves and their communities.