KAMPALA. A police officer attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Napak District has finally received specially made size 17 police shoes after years of struggling to find fitting footwear while on duty.
No. 82378 PPC Jovian Olepus was on Thursday handed two custom-made pairs of shoes by the Directorate of Logistics and Engineering in what the police described as a welfare intervention aimed at improving the comfort and well-being of officers.
The shoes were handed over by AIGP James Apora, the Director of Logistics and engineering, at the Directorate headquarters in Kampala. Olepus was accompanied by his father during the ceremony.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the officer had since joining the force faced persistent challenges in securing fitting footwear due to his unusually large shoe size-a situation that affected his comfort while carrying out daily duties.
Speaking during the handover, AIGP Apora said the officer’s case was among the most unusual welfare concerns the Directorate had encountered, prompting officials to place a special order for the footwear.
“We could not allow one of our own to continue working without proper footwear. His case opened our eyes to the need for advance planning in handling special welfare requirements for officers. I thank him for remaining patient and never feeling neglected by the Force,” Apora said.
The Directorate also commended Police management for prioritising officer welfare, noting that every officer deserves dignity, support and proper facilitation while serving the country.
For PPC Olepus, the delivery of the custom-made shoes marked the end of a long-standing challenge and a rare moment of relief in his service career.
The Uganda Police Force said the intervention reflects its commitment to addressing individual welfare needs of officers beyond standard provisions, especially in unique cases that require special attention.