Residents close down police station, accuse OC of corruption and criminal collaboration

Angry residents of Kabarwa District, Bukedea District, on Thursday sealed off the local police station, demanding the immediate transfer of the officer in charge, Mr Oile Wilbroad.

The protesters accused Mr. Oile of corruption, selective enforcement of the law and collusion with criminals. Several gathered at the Kabarwa police station, holding placards reading: “Oile is corrupt, move him immediately!” They barricaded the officer’s office with thorns and branches, forcing police officers to flee, while Mr. Oile locked himself inside until noon, when help arrived from the Bukedea Central police station.

The unrest was sparked by an incident on Wednesday in which a group of young men, known to Mr Oile as vigilantes, attacked a boda boda rider identified only as Oberyang, leaving him fighting for his life. Witnesses said the assault took place within sight of the officer.

“Mr Oile has joined criminals to terrorize the community. We can no longer cooperate with him, that is why we are demanding his immediate transfer,” said resident Julius Otim. Another resident, who requested anonymity, accused Oile of being so corrupt that he only responds to security issues when money is involved. “He has become a criminal, who joins gangs that steal our cattle and attack us,” the resident added.

The protest paralysed all activities in the area, affecting the Kabarwa Sub-County headquarters, Kabarwa trading centre and local schools.
Kabarwa Local Council III chairman Ben Angura expressed concerns over Mr Oile’s performance, citing multiple shortcomings in addressing community safety. He accused the officer of accepting bribes from violent criminal gangs in exchange for protection.

“A group of young men wanted for attempting to form a militia have returned, setting up roadblocks and attacking people mercilessly. Despite numerous reports, the OC has failed to respond,” Angura said, recounting incidents in which a young boy was kidnapped and injured after raising the alarm, and the burning of a motorcycle in a recent attack.

Attempts to contact Mr Oile for comment were unsuccessful and the DPC’s phone remained unanswered. However, Bukedea Resident District Commissioner (RDC) William Wilberforce Tukei confirmed that he had met the DPC and agreed to Mr Oile’s transfer from Kabarwa.

“In fact, he will not only be transferred, but he will also face administrative measures and charges for his misconduct,” Mr Tukei said, adding that security services are actively investigating the issues raised, including suspected gang activities and a soldier’s involvement in training local gangs.