The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has ordered increased deployment of security personnel and intensified community mobilisation in Kazo District following a rise in homicide cases.
Byakagaba issued the directive on Sunday during an operational assessment and engagement with police officers in Kazo, Ibanda, Kagadi and Kyankwanzi districts.
The visit followed concerns raised by political leaders and residents over rising cases of murder, theft of animals and crops in the affected areas.
The IGP met regional, district and sub-county police commanders to assess the security situation and strengthen the response to emerging threats.
He said police are enhancing investigations, patrols and community engagement to prevent further crime.
Byakagaba said sniffer dogs deployed to crime scenes were producing positive results, but warned members of the public against tampering with scenes of crime.
“We call upon our people not to tamper with the scenes because once the scene is tampered with, the dog cannot be effective,” he said.
He said community mobilisation and cooperation between residents and security agencies would be key to containing crime.
“Community mobilisation, working together with the community, is the only way we shall stamp out this criminality. And I’m confident that we are going to do it,” Byakagaba said.
He said police were also deploying additional personnel and strengthening coordination with other security agencies to improve surveillance and response.
Byakagaba said Flying Squad units from Kampala and Mbarara had been deployed to support local police operations.
“Every sub-county we are adding another extra 6 people, with all the officers to be patrolling the areas,” he said.
The additional personnel, he said, would increase regular patrols and enable police to respond more quickly to emerging security threats.
Byakagaba urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could help prevent and investigate crime.
“I call upon our people to remain calm and be assured of security,” he said.
He also urged police commanders and personnel to embrace proactive policing, teamwork and patriotism while making effective use of available anti-crime infrastructure and operational equipment, including canine services, CCTV systems, communication equipment and police vehicles.
CUE IN BYAKAGABA….ON SECURITY….RR/ENG//
