KAMPALA — Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba has conducted operational assessments in Kazo, Ibanda, Kagadi and Kyankwanzi districts following concerns over rising crime, including murder and theft of livestock and crops.
Byakagaba was accompanied by the Director of Operations, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, during the visits, which included engagements with regional, district and sub-county police commanders.
The assessments followed concerns raised by political leaders and members of the public about the security situation in the affected areas.
The Uganda Police Force said the IGP’s visit was particularly prompted by a concerning rise in homicide cases in Kazo District.
During the engagements, Byakagaba called for stronger coordination among police officers at different levels and urged commanders to strengthen proactive policing in response to the reported crimes.
He emphasised patriotism, teamwork and closer cooperation among police personnel as part of efforts to improve the response to security threats.
The IGP also directed officers to make better use of existing anti-crime infrastructure and operational resources, including police canine units, CCTV systems, communication equipment and the police fleet.
The Police Force said Byakagaba also reinforced the four districts with additional personnel and motorcycles to strengthen implementation of the Sub-County Policing Model (SCPM).
The model is intended to bring policing closer to communities by strengthening police presence and operations at sub-county level.
Byakagaba, however, cautioned officers against treating the model as merely an administrative arrangement, urging them to understand its objectives and put it into practice in their respective areas of responsibility.
He further directed police officers to work closely with communities, improve information-sharing and strengthen public confidence in the police response to crime.
The Police Force said the engagements were aimed at realigning policing operations with the prevailing security concerns in the four districts.
The assessments come as police face pressure from local leaders and residents to address reported cases of homicide and theft of animals and crops in parts of western Uganda.
