Soon or later police officers may cease enjoying free meals and porridge served at major police stations after unpaid food suppliers threaten to withdraw the supply.
More than 200 companies contracted by Uganda Police Force to supply flour and beans have given the force a two-week’s ultimatum to clear the arrears or else they withhold supply.
Through their chairperson, Badru Kisitu, the companies claim that they haven’t received payment since 2016. According to Kisitu, Uganda Police Force owes them more than Shs30bn. Kisitu says the failure by the police management to pay them has forced banks to take over their properties since they are unable to service their
loans. He disclosed that they have tried top police administrators including the IGP, Police Under Secretary and Director of Logistics among others to clear their payment in vain.
The aggrieved suppliers have appealed to Parliament, Finance Ministry and Police management to address their concerns immediately.
They also appealed to President, Yoweri Museveni to bail them out since he has been helping other struggling business communities.
The complainants refused to provide a list of their companies, saying they could lose their customers and business.
However, our reporter was able to see an invoice from the National Crime Preventers Forum Catering Project, which claims to have supplied 100,000Kgs of flour to various police stations including Jinja road Police.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga couldn’t be reached for comment by press time. For comments, call or text us on 0752510225.
