The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, visited Kiira regional police in Jinja on Friday to address the growing concerns of insecurity in the area. Reports of criminal activities, particularly incidents involving machete-wielding individuals, have caused distress among the local population. Numerous lives have been lost, and many others have sustained injuries while trying to protect their property.
During the visit, the deputy IGP met with the police chiefs of Kiira region at Jinja’s Civil Service College. They engaged in discussions aimed at restoring peace and security in areas such as Bugembe, Mafubira, Namulesa, Wanyange, and others. The meeting followed the recent tabling of the insecurity issue in Parliament by Jinja North legislator, Isabirye David Agga. The authorities, including the Internal Affairs Minister, were directed to investigate the matter.
The legislator appealed for the establishment of a police division in his constituency to enhance security measures and provide sufficient manpower to combat the criminal elements that operate during the night, terrorizing the locals.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Katsigazi expressed confidence that the gangs of youths causing havoc in Jinja could be effectively managed and eliminated. He emphasized the need for increased deployment of police forces in the affected areas to restore normalcy.
Katsigazi further announced that police posts, particularly at the subcounty level, would be equipped with motorcycles and a minimum of 18 police officers, as per President Museveni’s directive. The president had directed the consolidation of police posts into “Gombolola” police stations following attacks by unknown assailants who targeted the posts to steal firearms.
“We have taken steps to implement the presidential directive, and many police posts with insufficient staffing have been consolidated. These posts often lack motorcycles, making it difficult to respond effectively,” stated Katsigazi.
He also highlighted the president’s emphasis on establishing police stations at the subcounty level, which would be equipped with two motorcycles, a vehicle, and a dedicated phone line for locals to directly contact the police in case of any attacks, ensuring a prompt response.
The visit by Deputy IGP Katsigazi signals the commitment of the police force to address the insecurity concerns in Jinja and restore peace and safety for the residents.
