Here's why:

* Centripetal means "center-seeking".

* In uniform circular motion, the body is constantly changing direction, even though its speed might be constant. This change in direction requires a force.

* This force is directed towards the center of the circle to keep the body moving in a circular path rather than continuing in a straight line.

Think of a ball on a string being swung in a circle. The tension in the string provides the centripetal force, pulling the ball towards the center of the circle.