Kampala – Uganda’s Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has urged local government leaders to take greater responsibility for community policing, saying effective security depends on strong cooperation between police and local authorities.
Addressing a meeting of local government and city leaders organised by the Ministry of Local Government at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, Byakagaba said local leaders should support the implementation of the Sub-County Policing Model, describing it as a key strategy for improving public safety.
He said security should be treated as a central component of development planning, calling on local governments to work closely with the Uganda Police Force to strengthen service delivery and address evolving security challenges.
The police chief also appealed to local authorities to incorporate crime prevention measures into urban planning.
He said towns and cities should adopt well-planned layouts, approve building designs that enhance public safety, and develop markets with infrastructure that helps deter criminal activity.
According to Byakagaba, the recommendations complement the Area Policing Concept, a nationwide policing strategy aimed at improving response times to crime and emergencies through stronger coordination at the local level.
He identified agricultural crime, urban crime, domestic violence, cybercrime, alcohol and drug abuse, and land-related disputes among the growing security concerns requiring closer collaboration between police and local governments.
Byakagaba concluded by thanking the Minister of Local Government, Balam Barugahara, for the opportunity to address the gathering and reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to working with local authorities to promote peace, security and sustainable development across the country.
