By Robert Segawa
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has called for peace and professionalism ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Byakagaba made the appeal during his address to police commanders of the newly created Masaka West policing region and later to the Sembabule District Security Committee, in a meeting held at Ssembabule.
The meeting was attended by several key leaders, including Regional Police Commander Ochen Ostin Peter, Resident District Commissioner Jane Frances Kagayi, and political figures such as Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo, Hon. Begumisa, Gen. Phinehas Katirima, Hon. Hanifa Kawooya, Hon. Sodo Kaguta, and Hon. Nkalubo Patrick, the LCV Chairperson of Ssembabule.
During the session, the IGP officially announced the establishment of the Masaka West policing region, which will include the districts of Lwengo, Rakai, Lwemiyaga, and Lyantonde.
Byakagaba emphasized the need for a peaceful electoral process and pledged to bolster security in Sembabule by deploying additional personnel and motorcycles to support the sub-county policing model. This, he said, will ensure effective and peaceful policing during the NRM primaries.
He instructed RPC Ochen Ostin Peter to remain stationed in Ssembabule until the primaries conclude and urged all officers to conduct themselves with professionalism, neutrality, and commitment to community policing while combating criminality during the political season.
Addressing political leaders, the IGP urged collaboration with security forces and appealed to them to discourage their supporters from provoking law enforcement. He stressed that maintaining peace begins with individual responsibility before security agencies intervene.
Byakagaba also underlined the importance of inter-agency cooperation, reaffirming that the police will take the lead role in providing security before, during, and after the elections.
He concluded by assuring all stakeholders of the police’s readiness and capability to deliver a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The meeting comes as the NRM gears up for party primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections. Lwemiyaga County has already reported tensions and clashes among rival political camps, prompting the IGP’s renewed call for calm and cooperation throughout the electoral process.
