Kampala — KAMPALA City Council (KCC) has put in place measures to regulate access to firearms by its law enforcement officers.

"Not every law enforcement officer will have access to the firearms. They will be limited to a special squad of between 25 to 40 officers and only when going for risky operations like demolishing buildings," a source at City Hall said.

Earlier this month, KCC unveiled plans to arm its law enforcement officers to improve service delivery in the city.

The public, however, protested the measure, citing misuse of the firearms.

"The few officers who will have access to the firearms will have to be closely supervised by the Police," a KCC official said, adding that they would have to undergo refresher training.

The plan to arm city law enforcement officers is estimated to cost sh50m.

This amount will cover the purchasing of the firearms, training and setting up the armoury.

"The procurement of the firearms will be done under the supervision of the Police. We shall also follow the standard procurement procedures and regulations in handling the firearms," the official said.

The law enforcement officers sometimes request the Police for backup.

The KCC officials, however, said at times the Police are busy yet some operations require quick response.

"City residents are very cunning. They can erect an illegal structure within the shortest time," said an official.

Over the years, complaints have been raised over the big number of fake city law enforcement officers.

Impostors who wear similar uniforms to that worn by KCC law enforcers extort money from the public.

This has forced city authorities to change law enforcement uniforms from the blue to yellow shirts and green trousers and skirts.