Barely a fortnight after Police Constable Alex Adei from the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VIPPU), shot and killed his wife, Barbra Apia Kongai, police have cautioned VIP guards against indiscipline.
Adei not only murdered his wife but also fatally shot his colleague, Seezi Tusiime from the Counter-Terrorism (CT). Tusiime was in bed. Afterward, Adei allegedly confessed that he acted out of anger, believing the two were cheating on him.
In response, VIPPU Commandant Commissioner of Police, David Manzi has urged officers guarding VIPs and key government installations to prioritize discipline and hard work to succeed and gain public trust.
“You need to have the highest degree of discipline in whatever you are doing. Be committed to your duties and avoid acting in anger. Prioritize discipline and hard work in your duties,” Manzi said.
VIPPU operates under the CT Directorate, which was previously headed by the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba.
After Byakagaba was appointed IGP, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) David Wasswa as the new CT Director. Based at Nsambya Police Barracks, VIPPU provides protection for several high-profile individuals, including the IGP, AIGPs, Senior Commissioners of Police, ministers, permanent secretaries, judges, parliamentary commissioners, and the Leader of the Opposition.
Manzi addressed VIPPU officers during a recent meeting held at Nsambya. In addition to Adei’s actions, some VIPPU officers have previously behaved inappropriately toward their principals, leading to requests for guard replacements.
Less than a year ago, VIPPU officer Police Constable Michael Wango orchestrated a robbery involving two billion Shillings from the home of Ambassador Barbra Nekesa Oundo in Bukasa-Muyenga. Nekesa and her husband, Hajj Mafabi Sulaiman Lumolo, kept money in various currencies in their home.
Wango, who had been guarding the home for over 18 months, learned that the couple often kept large sums of money there. He conspired with two other police officers, Sgt. Dominic Idro, PC Mugoya Sharif, and civilians Edgar Arinda alias Watson and Niwagaba Rogers.
During the robbery, Wango pretended to be a victim, receiving a few slaps from his co-conspirators and claiming his gun was stolen. The firearm was later found less than a kilometer from the couple’s home.
Following investigations by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI), Wango was identified as the mastermind, leading to the arrest of four police officers and eight civilians, all of whom were charged in court.
Manzi has cautioned officers against misconduct, emphasizing the need to resist the temptation of material gains and not to become a problem for their principals. During the meeting, VIPPU guards also shared several challenges they face, including disrespectful behavior from those they protect.
“I commend you for the good work as you serve the country and the persons you guard. Understand that challenges may arise, but you should always prioritize discipline,” Manzi emphasized.
He promised to present the issues raised by VIPPU guards to the top police management to seek solutions. Previously, officers highlighted concerns about being made to carry bags or act as shamba boys for their principals.