KAMPALA- Abbas Byakagaba, who is the Inspector General of Police, has admitted that the police force hasn’t effectively implemented President Museveni’s sub-county policing model idea and urged the newly promoted officers to help him.
The sub-county policing model idea was introduced by President Museveni in 2019. The model aims to enhance police visibility, automate policing services using advanced technology, and consolidate resources and assets at the sub-county level.
Museveni instructed the Uganda Police Force-UPF that each sub-county must have a police station with more than 20 police officers and four motorcycle squads, two of which are to respond to emergencies.
However, while presiding over the piping ceremony at Naguru Police headquarters, of the twelve newly promoted senior officers, Byakagaba said the model hasn’t been effective due to challenges.
“The sub-county policing model is one of our flagship projects, and we must wholeheartedly embrace it and ensure it’s in full operational use.” This directive is part of efforts to strengthen community policing and enhance security at the grassroots level, but we have to make sure that it works.” Byakagaba said.
“This idea was given to us by the president that we must ensure is fulfilled. Working together as a team, we must achieve this target.” The police chief told the newly promoted directors that it is effortless to work in silos but rather as a team.
According to police records, at least 129 police posts were merged in 2022 and 2023. The merged posts will serve as a pilot study for the phased, countrywide implementation of the sub-county policing model.
The ineffectiveness of the model, according to Police, is attributed to limited budget, insufficient personnel, and logistics. But despite these challenges, Byakagaba said they are determined to find all possible ways to implement the President’s idea across the country.
The Inspector General of Police has also urged the newly promoted senior officers to ensure that their subordinates and superiors remain focused on the mission of protecting Ugandans and their property.
“Promotion comes with heavy responsibilities,” Byakagaba noted. “It also brings restrictions, including changes in behavior and increased effort. As senior officers, you are no longer responsible for just 50 or 100 people, but rather for 5,000, 10,000, and indeed the entire force.”
The promoted officers from the senior commissioners of Police-SCP to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police-AIGP include Frank Mwesigwa who heads the operations, Hadijja Namutebi in charge of research, planning and development, David Wasswa, the police counter terrorism director.
Ubaldo Bamunoba the Police Chief Political Commissar, Felix Baryamwisaki in charge of ICT director and Moses Kafeero Human resource development and training director,.
Others include Charles Kataratambi Human rights and legal director, Steven Tanui Fire and rescue services, James Apora the director logistics and engineering, Lawrence Niwabiine the director traffic police, Joseph Obwona( Interpol), and Geoffrey Musana director of Logistics and Engineering.
