The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, has called on police officers in the Rwenzori East region to fully embrace the concept of area policing as part of efforts to enhance community security and combat crime.
Speaking during his visit to Kasese District on Wednesday, weeks after machete-wielding assailants attacked police and army barracks, injuring several officers, the IGP emphasized vigilance, teamwork, and collaboration between the police and local communities.
“I’m in Kasese basically to be together with our people — to check on our security personnel and engage other community members,” said IGP Byakagaba.
“I’m glad that we are all working together, using the same lens to look at security problems, and all our efforts are geared towards ensuring peace and the development of our country.”
He commended officers in the region for their swift and coordinated response during the November 1st attacks on Kasese Barracks, describing their efforts as “timely and exemplary.”
Byakagaba also assured residents of continued stability and safety in the district, noting that those behind the recent attacks had been apprehended and would face justice.
“Our people should remain stable and feel secure because we are there for them. Nobody is going to disorganize their good living,” he said.
“The misguided individuals are very few, and a good number have already been arrested. We shall process them through the courts of law as we continue to work for the progress of this country.”
The Police Chief further praised the local leadership and security teams for helping restore calm, saying, “Musinga wa Rwenzururu has helped us so much to ensure that we are getting back to normal. People are settling down and returning to their normal businesses.”
As part of his visit, IGP Byakagaba paid a courtesy call on officials from the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu led by Prime Minister Benson Kule Baritazale.
During the meeting, he urged the kingdom leaders to continue supporting police operations through timely information sharing and participation in programs such as the Subcounty Policing Model.
“We continue to have a very good relationship with the kingdom, and indeed, I would like to assure our people that our relationship is very tight, very good, and very positive,” he noted.
“We are gearing up for the coming kingdom events, and I call upon everyone to participate peacefully.”
The IGP also met with security stakeholders and religious leaders to discuss long-term solutions to the persistent security challenges in the region.
He was accompanied by several senior police officials, including the Director of CID, AIGP Tom Magambo; AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, the Director of Operations; AIGP John Nuwagira; the Commander of the Field Force Unit (FFU), AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba; the Chief Political Commissar, SCP Charles Asaba; and the Deputy Director of Crime Intelligence, among others.