President Museveni has instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, to enforce the sub-county policing model. This directive aims to improve security and address rising crime in rural areas.
The Sub-County Policing Model
Introduced in 2020, the sub-county policing model requires each sub-county to have a police station staffed with 18 officers and equipped with four motorcycles, two designated for emergencies. This model seeks to enhance the police presence and response times in rural communities.
Museveni’s Address on Crime
During the National Heroes’ Day celebration in Gomba District, Museveni emphasized the importance of this model in combating rural crime. He noted that a well-distributed police force could efficiently handle thefts and other criminal activities plaguing rural areas.
Implementation Plan
With Uganda having 2,184 sub-counties, the model will necessitate 39,312 police officers. The IGP assured that the directive will be discussed and implemented promptly. The former IGP, John Martins Okoth-Ochola, had previously stated that the model’s rollout was in advanced stages, starting with the Greater Masaka Region.
Additional Directives
In the same address, Museveni ordered the arrest of landlords who unlawfully evict tenants from their ancestral lands. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the 1995 agreement on nominal ground rent, commonly known as Busuulu, and stressed that landlords must respect the law to prevent undue hardship on tenants.
Heroes’ Day Commemoration
The National Heroes’ Day commemorates the first National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) heroes executed by the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) in 1981. This year’s celebration included awarding medals to 53 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the country, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum and State Minister for ICT, Joyce Ssebugwawo.
In conclusion , the sub-county policing model, once fully implemented, is expected to significantly improve security in Uganda’s rural areas. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring community safety.
