Jinja: In a major boost to security and safety, the Kiira Regional Police Command has announced the rollout of the sub-county policing model in Jinja and surrounding areas.
The initiative, which is part of President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to enhance security at the grassroots level, aims to bring police services closer to the people and reduce crime rates.
Residents of Jinja have welcomed the move, expressing gratitude to the President and the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, for prioritizing their safety and security.
“We are thrilled to see the police taking proactive steps to address our security concerns,” said Isaac Okello, a local resident of Wanyange Lake in Jinja City. “This initiative will definitely make our communities safer and more secure.”
The sub-county policing model involves deploying 18 personnel to each sub-county, along with three motorcycles and communication gadgets. This will enable the police to respond quickly and effectively to incidents and to build stronger relationships with the communities they serve.
The Regional Police Commander, SSP Charles Nsaba, said that the initiative is part of the police’s efforts to enhance community policing and make Uganda a safer and more secure country.
“We are committed to working closely with the communities we serve to identify and address their security concerns,” said SSP Nsaba. “This initiative is a major step forward in our efforts to build trust and confidence between the police and the public.”
The rollout of the sub-county policing model is expected to have a significant impact on crime rates in Jinja and surrounding areas. Residents are optimistic that the initiative will bring about a safer and more secure environment and are looking forward to working closely with the police to achieve this goal.
In 2020, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed the then Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola to roll out the sub-county policing model across the country. This directive was not fully implemented until now, with the Kiira Regional Police Command taking a significant step in its implementation.
“We are set to enforce the President’s directive for the proposed sub-county policing model before the end of January,” SP James Mubi, regional police spokesperson, said on Tuesday.
The IGP, Byakagaba, during his communication to the Police Council on Friday, January 10, pointed out that the proposed sub-county policing model is set to roll out across the country. According to the Ugandan Police Chief, the model will begin in ten regions.
Jinja, which is located in the Kiira region, is the second-largest urban city in Uganda, covering 767.7 square kilometers, with 65 square kilometers covered by water bodies.
The RPC disclosed, “The region will be receiving manpower starting this week for subsequent deployment to all sub-counties in the region, including Mpumudde, Butagaya, Buyala, Mutai, Busedde, Buyengo, and Kisima 1 Island, among others.”
He emphasized that defined performance objectives and targets have been set for all the commanders in the region, boasting that all division heads will gain additional professional knowledge and skills in combating crime. This will enhance harmony with the public and ensure timely responses to incidents in their respective sub-counties.
The police’s effort to crack down on criminality comes at a time when the crime rate in Jinja City and the surrounding areas is minimal. Previously, the Busoga capital faced issues such as motorcycle robberies, machete attacks, and sexual-related crimes.
