Kampala — PASTOR Robert Kayanja of Kampala Miracle Centre has offered to give Old Kampala Police barracks a face lift.

This will involve repairing the dilapidated structures, replacing the asbestos with iron sheets, planting grass on the compound and setting up a video hall.

"My team is coming here on Tuesday. We will start with one block and see how things progress," Kayanja said.

The pastor said the houses would be roofed, painted and that electrical installations and plumbing would be done.

"We have the experts to do the job. We urge you to join us because this is a communal effort," Kayanja said at the barracks on Tuesday.

"The Police are part of us. We run to them for protection, especially when we have big events like the New Year prayers," said Kayanja.

"We shall do everything in our means to help them. By the end of this year, this will be the best looking barracks in Kampala."

Last week, Police chief Kale Kayihura initiated the renovation of the barracks to improve the living conditions of the officers. He said the Police would rely on its meagre resources and the private sector to implement the programme.

Augustine Kasangaki, the officer-in-charge of the station, said each block was designed to house only four families.

"The barracks is now home to 123 Police families. That means each block now houses between four to eight families," he said.

Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba said: "We are grateful to people who appreciate our challenges and go out of their way to offer a hand."

Kayanja's team also offered groceries to the officers. The barracks was built in 1955.