KAMPALA — The Uganda Police Force has taken a rare but heartfelt step to improve officer welfare after the Directorate of Logistics and Engineering handed over specially made size 17 police shoes to an officer who had struggled for years to find fitting footwear.
No. 82378 PPC Olepus Jovian, attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Napak District, received two pairs of the custom-made shoes on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Directorate headquarters in Kampala.
According to police officials, PPC Olepus had faced persistent challenges since joining the force due to his unusually large foot size, which made it difficult to obtain standard police shoes suitable for duty operations.
The handover ceremony was presided over by the Director of Logistics and Engineering, AIGP James Apora, who commended the officer for his patience and dedication despite the challenges.
AIGP Apora described the matter as one of the most unique welfare concerns the Directorate had encountered, prompting police management to place a special order to ensure the officer could work comfortably and effectively.
“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,” Apora said.
Accompanied by his father, PPC Olepus expressed gratitude to the Uganda Police Force for responding to his long-standing challenge, describing the gesture as a sign that the institution values the welfare and dignity of its personnel.
The Directorate of Logistics and Engineering also applauded Police Management for prioritizing the welfare of officers, emphasizing that proper facilitation remains key to effective service delivery.
The gesture has since drawn praise from sections of the public and officers alike, with many describing it as a symbol of care and inclusiveness within the force.
Keywords: Uganda Police Force, PPC Olepus Jovian, AIGP James Apora, Directorate of Logistics and Engineering, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Napak District, police welfare, custom-made shoes, officer welfare, Kampala, Uganda Police, logistics and engineering
