Corporal Abdallah TusiimeCORPORAL ABDALLAH TUSIIME is possibly the most popular traffic policeman in Kampala, currently. Based around Kamwokya and Kololo, his dedication to his work has earned him respect even up to Parliament and among motorists, with videos on TikTok showing him guiding traffic, come rain or shine. He recently talked to Quick Talk, choosing a Kamwokya boda boda stage to rest and have the chat. Please introduce yourself to our readers. Good afternoon. My name is Afande Tusiime Abdallah and I am a traffic police officer. Where do you get the inspiration and commitment to serve in a way that upholds the image of the Uganda Police? Thank you so much; my passion comes from the desire to serve my country. Since childhood, I have always wanted to serve my country and these values have always been instilled in me. That’s why you see me serving with a lot of zeal and passion, whether it’s raining or shining [a motorist drives by and waves to Tusiime, which says a lot at a time when the men in the armed forces are not exactly popular in the country.] How did that childhood dream begin and how did your actual journey unfold? I always dreamed of serving my country, and when I was drafted into the Police Force, I saw it as a gift from Allah. But my big breakthrough was when I was transferred to the traffic police department. Back then, I was still carrying a gun I was serving very well. But when I came to traffic, it was something different; you know, traffic is the only unit that can expose you. If you’re doing well, people will know. If you do something bad, people will know. So, it was a blessing when the police decided to select me to join the Department of Traffic. I told my father at one point when I was in senior four, I wanted to be a police officer. When that dream came true, he told me: “My son, since Allah has accepted your dream to be a traffic officer, I want you to get wealth of people, not wealth of money.” That’s why you were telling me earlier, that everyone knows me. [He gets a radio call and speaks in Kiswahili, which sounds like Latin to Quick Talk.] Many people fear traffic officers, yet you are highly respected by motorists… My brother, serving your country comes with the discipline. And with the police and armed forces in general, we are brought up in a line of discipline. Now, when you have discipline, respect the public and do what you are supposed to do, the public is going to give you the feedback. Good or bad. When you serve the nation, people really show you that your services are worth it and it shades a good picture about the professionalism of the Uganda Police Force. How does a typical day in your life run? I wake up around 5:30 am. I have a boy who goes to school, so we wake up together. My madam prepares him for school. I perform my prayers. Immediately after, I put on my uniform. By around 6:30, my son is going to school, and I arrive at my duty station, controlling traffic around Kamwokya and Kololo. I also help children going to school to cross the road. After controlling the traffic jam, I go for breakfast and rest a bit. Then we go for normal duties, like operations. I rest again and go for lunch. By 3pm, I report back on duty and work on controlling the evening jam. Has modern technology helped in your work? Wow, that’s a nice one. When we talk about modern technologies like traffic lights and cameras, they have really helped address many of the issues that used to arise, especially complaints where people would say an officer has done this or that. Technology has greatly improved our work in terms of transparency and efficiency. Cameras and digital systems make it easier to enforce the law fairly and reduce misunderstandings. They are also making our roads safer because they promote accountability for both officers and road users. Tell Quick Talk more about your childhood. I was a stubborn guy but grew up with a very strict father who would always discipline me every time I made mistakes. For example, one day we went to play football and I forgot my shirt and sandals. When I came back, it was late, around 8pm. They asked me, where is your shirt? I just remembered I left it in one of the trees at the football pitch. They had to beat me very well! I will never forget that day. Which schools did you attend, and where did you grow up? People have always asked where I hail from; I don’t know why they ask me that. But today I want to clarify that Afande Tusiime is from a mixed family. My mother is a Muteso called Akello Mariam, who raised me well. My father, Ayub Kamanyire, is a Mutooro. I don’t know how dad met mum. We found ourselves staying in Soroti and I can speak Atesot very well. I speak four to five languages [Luganda, Atesot, Rutooro, English and a bit of Rukiga. And, of course, Kiswahili, as Quick Talk heard.] I went to school in Soroti and for my A level I was at Halcyon High School Soroti, where I was the health prefect. I went to Kyambogo University after that, but because of financial difficulties, I had to drop out to pave way for my sister to continue with education, and she is now an upcoming magistrate. When I dropped out of campus, that was 2013, life was a bit hard. I stayed with my sister in Jinja, who was a police officer working with Criminal Investigation Department. I saw police officers and got inspired again. When recruitment came, I applied, prayed a lot and by God’s grace I was shortlisted and joined the police force. How did you find that grueling police training? Police training is a mindset and what I can attest to is that I passed highly. But the police training changed my mind and way of thinking and it has built me into the person I am. How do you balance work and family? I am a lucky guy; I have a wife who is a police officer. When we leave home, we are both police officers. When we come back, we are father and mother and strike a balance. What do you do for fun? I love watching movies. I play football, visit friends, whenever I get free time. Have you received any accolades for your work? Yes. I remember some time back former head of Electoral Commission Dr Badru Kiggundu told me that in all his years of service to this nation, he had never seen a police officer like me. When I asked him why, he said, “You are an inspiration to the next generation.” That phrase has stayed with me ever since. Every time my work is recognized especially by the public and respected figures, it motivates me even more. I remember the viral video of me working in the rain; some may have thought it was staged, but it was not. I have always been dedicated, even in the sunshine. Recognition has come in many forms; thanks to Juma Travels, I had the blessing of a trip to Mecca, a dream for any Muslim. The Interreligious Council has also sponsored my firstborn’s education from primary to university. These acknowledgments, along with the support I receive from my community, inspire me to work harder, to serve better, and to continue striving for excellence. What advice do you give Ugandans who want to join the Police Force? I would advise them not to hesitate. Come on and join us and we serve our Uganda. It’s up to you and others to change this country and put it in the position where you want it. You can be better than me. ebenezernsubuga405 @gmail.comThe post Corporal Tusiime has earned hajj, scholarship from his diligence at work appeared first on The Observer.