The Ugandan government has dismissed concerns raised by Parliament regarding the non-functionality of the national CCTV systems project, arguing that the US$120 million (Shs 437.734 billion) initiative has recorded a 100% operational success rate in some districts.
David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, made this defense while appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to address concerns raised by MPs following an oversight visit to various locations where the CCTV cameras were installed across the country.
Minister Muhoozi noted that the cameras are performing at an average rate of 85% to 95%, with some districts achieving a 100% operational rate.
He also pointed out that the implementation of Phase 3 has not yet begun due to a lack of secured funds.
“The cameras are operating normally with performance average ranging between 85% to 95%, some districts achieve 100%. Implementation of Phase 3 hasn’t commenced because funds haven’t been secured,” Muhoozi explained.
He further elaborated that since the implementation of the CCTV system in 2018, a total of 42,427 oppression and intelligence-led incidents have been managed.
With the aid of CCTV footage, 6,688 cases have been thoroughly investigated. Of these, 1,406 are under trial, 168 resulted in acquittals, 729 led to convictions, and 4,385 were handed over to investigation officers.
Despite these assurances, many Ugandans continue to raise concerns over the rising crime rate in the country, questioning the effectiveness of the heavily invested CCTV system.
