The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, announced on Tuesday that the Uganda Police Force will be restructured into five administrative and operational zones. Addressing senior commanders at the Naguru headquarters in Kampala, Byakagaba explained that the existing Kampala Metropolitan Police will form the Central Zone. New zones will cover the western, eastern, and other geographical regions. This reorganisation aims to create larger units that can coordinate operations more effectively and resolve security challenges locally. The goal is to empower senior officers to manage resources and make decisions without excessive bureaucracy.
Byakagaba detailed plans to introduce a new rank above the Assistant Inspector General of Police, tentatively called Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police. This addition creates an extra leadership layer while keeping the command structure narrow at the top. He emphasised that designations must carry real authority and logistical support. When officers are transferred, the force must provide necessary vehicles or transport. Effective policing requires equipping commanders at all levels, from district leaders to those in charge of local stations, with the tools needed to execute their duties.
The police chief challenged officers to shift from reactive measures to preventive strategies. He argued that a secure environment is essential for the country’s economic development agenda. Byakagaba cited the Parish Development Model, noting that police should monitor and prevent fund mismanagement rather than investigating it after the fact. He stressed that intelligence gathering, investigations, and surveillance systems like CCTV should primarily support crime prevention. Even apprehending offenders serves a preventive purpose by deterring potential criminals.
Infrastructure projects are also part of the overhaul. Byakagaba outlined plans to build 23-storey housing blocks, develop a police hospital, and upgrade forensic laboratories. The force will acquire 10 more vehicles for the Canine Unit, bringing the total to 50. Additionally, the annual crime report will change format. Instead of focusing only on statistics like murders and accidents, it will highlight operational achievements and institutional interventions. The Police Policy Advisory Committee has approved these changes to provide a fuller picture of the force’s performance.