Police boss orders security boost as police assess crime situation in four districts

The Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba has ordered intensified policing measures in Kazo, Ibanda, Kagadi and Kyankwanzi following concerns over rising cases of crime, including murder, theft of livestock and crop-related offences.
Byakagaba, accompanied by the Director of Operations, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, visited the four districts today to assess police operations and engage officers on the security challenges affecting the communities.
During the engagements, the IGP met regional, district and sub-county police commanders to review the prevailing security situation and realign policing efforts towards addressing the concerns raised by political leaders and members of the public.
Byakagaba urged police commanders and personnel to adopt proactive approaches to crime prevention while promoting patriotism, teamwork and stronger coordination among officers at all levels.
He also directed officers to make full use of available anti-crime resources and operational tools, including police canine services, CCTV systems, communication equipment and the police fleet, to improve their ability to prevent and respond to crime.
As part of efforts to strengthen the Sub-County Policing Model (SCPM), the affected districts received additional police personnel and motorcycles to enhance operations and improve police presence in communities.
The IGP, however, cautioned officers against merely having the policing model in place without putting it into practice. He urged them to fully internalise the SCPM and ensure it is effectively implemented within their respective areas of responsibility.
Byakagaba further called on police officers to strengthen engagement with communities, improve information-sharing and rebuild public confidence by ensuring timely and effective responses to crime.
The operational assessments are part of efforts by the police leadership to address security concerns at the local level and strengthen the force’s capacity to prevent and combat crime.