The Uganda Police through the directorate of Political commiserate has directed police commandants to take extra care of the elderly people especially those entangled in property and land wrangles.
“Elder abuse and victimisation is something that is currently taking place where you find elderly persons due to their health and physical impairment are being attacked,” Police Spokesperson Enanga said.
While addressing the media at the police headquarters, the force’s spokesperson, Fred Enanga said that in a space of just one month, the force has recorded 10 cases of attacks on elderly persons and seven of which have died in different parts of the country.
He said that all commanders have been reminded to take keen interest on the needs of the elderly people noting that they are vulnerable group of people who are occasionally taken advantage of.
“So management has tasked all our commanders to take keen interest on the needs of elderly people within their due jurisdictions ensuring that they are checked on regularly to reduce isolation and also to work with other stake holders to promote awareness on the incidents of physical and emotional abuse of elderly persons,” he noted.
Enanga said that the commanders will be doing background checks to help the victims resolve issues of problematic offspring including workers who are a threat in their homes.
He noted that 14 suspects have so far been apprehended in relation to the above murders including relatives of the deceased.
“We condemn such horrific acts of murder and we pledged to fast track this matter to its logical conclusion in the courts of law,” he said.
Enanga confirmed that the homicide department at CID headquarters has taken over investigations into a gruesome murder of an 84-year-old from Ntungamo district who was killed in cold blood.
He noted that the force is currently holding three suspects including a one Wilbroad Alfred Kato who has been working at the home of the deceased.