By Robert Segawa
The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has revealed that 200 police stations have so far been constructed across the country under the sub-county policing model.
Byakagaba said the stations have been equipped with the necessary operational requirements, including 18 police officers, vehicles, phones and other essential facilities.
He made the remarks while addressing regional and district police commanders from across the country at Police Headquarters in Naguru this morning.
The IGP also revealed plans to restructure the police force into five administrative zones as part of efforts to improve its operations and management.
He said the proposed zones will include Kampala Metropolitan, Western, Northern and Eastern regions, among others.
During the same address, Byakagaba announced that the police administration is planning to construct 23 additional buildings to improve officers’ welfare, noting that funds for the projects have already been secured.
He said the structures will be constructed internally by police officers, an initiative being spearheaded by the Directorate of Logistics and Engineering.
According to Byakagaba, the directorate has so far acquired six block-laying machines to support the construction works.
On the K9 unit, the IGP said the police force is saving approximately US$20,000 following the introduction of local dog breeding, which has reduced the need to procure dogs from outside the country.
He added that the force plans to purchase 40 additional vehicles to strengthen the operations of the K9 unit, District Police Commanders (DPCs), the Criminal Intelligence Directorate and Crime Intelligence.
On the annual crime report, Byakagaba said although the police recognises the importance of informing the public about its activities, the force is considering changing the publication into an annual performance report.
He said the Directorate of Research and Planning has been tasked with contributing to the proposal before a final decision is made.
The IGP also expressed concern over the financial resources spent by police investigating and following up cases involving individuals accused of misusing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
He said such investigations consume substantial resources that could otherwise be directed towards other pressing operational needs.
Byakagaba thanked the government for increasing financial support to the police force, noting that its budget had reached Shs1 trillion in the recent budget proposal.
He urged regional and district commanders to improve their performance and make greater contributions to national security and service delivery.
He reminded the officers that the Uganda Police Force has now clocked 120 years since its establishment, calling on them to uphold their responsibility to the country and its citizens.
