The Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Major Godfrey Katamba, has called on police officers in the Kigezi sub-region to strengthen community policing in order to reduce crime and ensure swift response to public concerns, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking on Friday during the closure of a five-day Public Order Management (POM) training held at Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) Kabale campus playground in Kabale Municipality, Major Katamba stressed that Uganda’s security threats have shifted from conventional military battles to civil challenges that demand new policing approaches.
“The current threat landscape in Uganda is no longer about mapped battle lines that are military-led, but civil in nature. It requires skills such as crowd control, tactical maneuvers, explosives handling, conflict resolution, and risk assessment, which you have undergone ahead of the 2026 general elections,” Katamba said.
The RDC urged the officers to strive for excellence and integrity in their careers.
“The most interesting and challenging time in your enforcement career is the electoral period, which is yet to begin. Heroes shall be tested both in enforcement and in loyalty. Go and pass on the same message to your subordinates,” he added.
Katamba commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, for professionalizing the Uganda Police Force.
The Kigezi Regional Training Officer, SP Fred Tumuhairwe, explained that the drills were aimed at testing the capability and preparedness of officers drawn from different units, including the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU).
“This training is timely. It has reduced the burden of traversing the six districts of Kigezi to train officers, especially those from ASTU, who are often used to shoot and kill, on how to better engage communities. These officers are now equipped in tactical operations, community engagement, and intelligence to address threats such as cattle rustling and livestock theft, which disrupt communities and economies, particularly in regions like Karamoja. It was therefore necessary to bring these drills to Kigezi,” Tumuhairwe said.
The Kigezi Regional Police Commander, SSP Alex Wabwire, assured the public of the force’s commitment to professionalism and readiness in handling public order situations in the forthcoming general elections.
“Our officers demonstrated discipline and professionalism. We recorded no injuries, no casualties, and no fatalities. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that all operations are conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law,” Wabwire said.
He noted that many Ugandans often associate the police with excessive use of force, including tear gas, but stressed that the Uganda Police Force operates under strict professional standards.
“We are not here to harm the public. We are here to protect lives, property, and maintain peace. Any officer who acts outside the constitution does so as an individual, not as a product of our training,” he emphasized.
He urged communities to take greater responsibility in nurturing disciplined citizens, warning against pushing individuals with problematic behavior into the police through nepotism or concealment of past misconduct.
“Training can shape behavior but it cannot completely change character. If families and communities raise disciplined children, we can continue building a police force that reflects integrity and professionalism,” he said.
The Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, Elly Maate stressed the need for professionalism and neutrality among officers, noting that maintaining law and order during elections requires discipline and respect for human rights.
“We want to assure the public that the police are ready to secure the elections. But we also remind our officers that professionalism must guide every action they take,” he said.
He appealed to politicians and their supporters to avoid acts of violence.
“We urge all candidates and their supporters to desist from violence and lawlessness. Anyone who engages in such acts will be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation,” Maate warned.
He called for tolerance and respect, emphasizing that peaceful elections are in the best interest of all Ugandans.
“Let us respect each other, respect the law, and ensure that elections are peaceful. That way, democracy will prevail,” Maate said.
The five-day training attracted 341 officers from the Field Force Unit (FFU), General Duties, Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Crime Intelligence (CI), and Traffic Police across the Kigezi sub-region.
