Paws take to the streets of Kampala! Dog lovers unite, walking alongside their loyal companions in a joyful celebration of the human-canine bond.
Kampala, Uganda – The first-ever national dog walk on Kampala streets, organized by the Uganda Police Force’s Canine Unit, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from pet lovers and enthusiasts.
According to Geoffrey Twesigye a dedicated dog breeder, the walk was a truly ‘great experience’ that offered a unique chance to connect with fellow breeders, learn from experts, and share valuable insights.
‘This event was a win-win for dog enthusiasts like myself,’ Twesigye explained. ‘Not only did we get to share our passion with others, but we also had the opportunity to learn from the police, who are experts in their field. In return, we were able to educate them on the challenges we face in breeding and caring for dogs. It was a fantastic chance for dog lovers to come together, gain exposure, and receive recognition from the public,” he explained.
Sharif Ssemwanga, a veterinary doctor and dog enthusiast, uses such events to connect with fellow dog lovers and share tips on dog care.
“My journey with dogs began in 2008 when I first fell in love with these incredible animals. Today, I’m proud to work as a veterinarian, dedicating my life to their care and well-being. But my passion goes beyond my professional work. I’m also a dedicated dog advocate, teaching people how to properly care for their canine companions. I’ve organized numerous dog walk events, bringing together fellow dog enthusiasts and promoting a sense of community. And, I’ve even rescued troubled dogs, giving them a second chance at a happy life. For me, dogs are more than just pets – they’re family, and I’m committed to making a difference in their lives,” Ssemwanga said.
After a fun-filled walk, Sharif Ssemwanga (Uncle Dogs) and his pet lover friends take a well-deserved break with their loyal companions by their side.
He added that growing up in the ghetto, he has so much love for dogs that he says have several uses.
Joyce Bindeeba, a pet lover thanked the Uganda Police Force for organizing the event, highlighting the importance of dogs in our lives.
“We thank the Uganda Police Force for organizing this important walk for our dogs,” she said during the event. “Dogs do very important work and they need to be appreciated.” The walk saw dogs enjoy themselves on Kampala streets, starting from Mackenzie Drive in Kololo, then Acacia Avenue, and finally Kanjokya Street in the upscale Kololo area.
The Uganda Police Force’s Canine Unit said it aimed to educate Ugandans on the diverse uses of dogs beyond being pets.
Sergeant Herbert Nangoli, Chief Instructor of the Police Canine Unit, explained that dogs can detect explosives, drugs, and track criminals, among other uses. “Dogs can be used in many specialties. We train them to detect explosives, drugs but also track criminals. We also train them to carry out search and rescue. In case someone gets lost, we can use dogs to track, find and then rescue them,” Nangoli said.
The unit is developing capabilities for dogs to detect cash and assist in rescue operations during disasters like building collapses and landslides. Nangoli encouraged Ugandans to embrace proper dog training and seek police services in this area. “We call upon Ugandans to embrace proper training of dogs and can seek police services in this area,” the chief police canine unit instructor said.
Sharif Ssemwanga, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Dogs’, shares a heartwarming moment with his loyal canine companion. As a dedicated veterinarian, dog advocate, and rescue hero, Uncle Dogs is a true champion for furry friends.
The Uganda Police canine unit that was almost buried was between 2011 and 2013 “born again” to ensure it augments police operations.
Whereas by then most of the dogs were concentrated in Kampala, many were deployed at almost all stations in the country. This came after the unit started breeding its own dogs at their breeding and training centre in Naggalama in Mukono district.
The dogs from the unit are deployed to fight crime, in public order management operations, track suspects but also detect explosives, just like they were used during the November 2020 bombings in Kampala. The police dogs have in the past helped in fighting criminality in Karamoja as well as tracking and helping in the arrest of suspects in Kampala.
