Police finally speaks out on use of patrol vehicle in Mukamanayamba advert, demands it is put off TV

The police leadership has condemned the use of its image as content in a controversial Commercial Advert of an energy drink popularly known as “Mukamanayamba”. 

CP Fred Enanga the police spokesperson says the advert deceptively suggests that police emergence team of the “999” Patrol Pick-Up and its crew actively responded to an incident where a pack of “Mukamanayamba” energy drink was grabbed by an alleged thief, during the recording of the advert.

Enanga says they find the advert controversial on grounds that the appearance of officers in uniforms and the use of police logistics for work outside police duty is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the IGP. 

He called the officers selfish, adding that the they were serving personal gains by appearing for a commercial advertisement without such approval and are a subject of investigation by the Professional Standards Unit.

“In addition, the advert deceptively suggests that the police leadership endorsed the product of “Mukamanayamba” and further supports the campaign to market, sell and drink the product.  This false impression created by the advert is defamatory since it is not representative of the police institution” Enanga revealed.

Police has demanded that the commercial firm, pulls out the police content or the entire advert, and halts any further displays on TV and Radios. 

“Failure to do so will call for sanctions in the civil court of law.  The Directorate Legal and Human Rights Services has also petitioned the Uganda Communications Commission on the unauthorized usage of our image and content in the Commercial Adverts” Enanga warned.

The said advert has been on air for close to a year now.