In a renewed push for more effective and people-centered policing, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Ubaldo Bamunoba, the Chief Political Commissar, has urged senior police leaders to prioritize community partnerships and preventive policing strategies during an ongoing retreat at the Police Headquarters in Naguru.
The retreat, which began on Thursday was opened by the IGP Abbas Byakagaba, brought together top police leadership for two days of reflection, strategy development, and dialogue on policing priorities and emerging challenges.
While addressing Regional Police Commanders (RPCs), Divisional, and District Police Commanders (DPCs), AIGP Bamunoba emphasized that successful law enforcement must be grounded in strong community collaboration, proactive engagement, and joint problem-solving.
“We must move beyond reactive policing. Building trust with our communities through consistent engagement, prevention, and partnership is how we truly ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people,” AIGP Bamunoba said.
He outlined three key pillars essential to modern community policing: strengthening partnerships with the public, emphasizing preventive policing rooted in local engagement, and adopting collaborative problem-solving models to address crime at the grassroots level.
Central to his message was the Sub-County Policing Model, which he described as a transformative approach aimed at increasing police responsiveness and protecting lives and property through localized policing.
“This model gives our officers the ability to respond more swiftly and more appropriately to the needs of the people at the community level,” he noted.
He also called on police commanders to invest in community outreach and public awareness programs aimed at enhancing safety, promoting dialogue, and reinforcing the public’s role in national development and peacekeeping.
“Our duty as commanders is not only to enforce the law but to ensure our people feel safe, heard, and supported. Community security is a shared responsibility,” AIGP Bamunoba added.
The retreat underscores the Uganda Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and public trust.