By Robert Segawa
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has directed the Director of Operations, Frank Mwesigwa, to reinforce police manpower in Kazo, Ibanda, Kagadi and Kyankwanzi districts following concerns over increasing crime in the areas.
The concerns, raised by political leaders and members of the public, include cases of murder, theft of livestock and destruction or theft of crops.
On Sunday, Byakagaba, accompanied by the Director of Operations, conducted an operational assessment and engaged police officers in the four districts to assess the security situation and strengthen the police response to crime.
The IGP also held engagements with regional, district and sub-county police commanders aimed at realigning policing efforts and strengthening the response to prevailing security concerns.
He urged police commanders and personnel to embrace proactive policing, patriotism and teamwork while strengthening collaboration among officers at all levels.
Byakagaba further called on police officers to make effective use of available anti-crime infrastructure and operational resources, including canine services, CCTV systems, communication equipment and police vehicles.
To enhance implementation of the Sub-County Policing Model (SCPM), the IGP directed that the affected districts be reinforced with additional manpower and motorcycles.
However, he urged officers to fully understand the SCPM and deliberately put it into practice within their respective areas of responsibility.
Byakagaba also called on police officers to work closely with communities, strengthen information-sharing mechanisms and build public confidence in the police response to crime.
He emphasized the need for proactive policing, patriotism, teamwork and closer collaboration among officers as key measures in addressing security challenges in the affected districts.
