Community policing launched in Jinja

Jinja: In an effort to strengthen community policing at the sub-county level in Kiira Region, the Uganda Police, led by Regional Police Commander (RPC) SSP Charles Nsaba and ACP Anatoli Muleterwa, launched a new initiative in Namagera Town Council, Jinja District.

The launch took place on March 3, 2025, at the town council offices, where the community warmly welcomed the program.

According to SP James Mubi, spokesperson for Kiira Region, Uganda has 29 policing regions, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) selected Kiira Region as a role model for other regions to follow.

RPC Nsaba expressed his support for selecting Namagera as the pilot area for this community policing model, citing its strong community cooperation and infrastructure.

He also noted that police station renovations are ongoing and commended SP Moris Oyee, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Jinja, for organizing the successful launch.

ACP Muleterwa, the Head of the Community Policing Department in the Uganda Police and chief guest at the event, highlighted that Uganda has over 2,191 police stations, and Namagera is the first to implement this initiative.

He called on the community to provide resources such as land and water to support police operations and emphasized the importance of structured policing under the law.

He further explained that community policing enhances police efficiency through a top-down approach, reducing crime and violence within families. As per the President’s directive, every sub-county will have at least 18 police officers stationed there.

He outlined key benefits, including improved transparency in service delivery, enhanced problem-solving at the local level, and empowering communities to participate in law enforcement.

To support crime prevention, ACP Muleterwa urged residents to keep emergency police contacts readily available and report all cases promptly. Reference books like SD and CRB books have been distributed to streamline case management and reduce delays in investigations.

As part of the launch, ACP Muleterwa officially commissioned the Namagera Police Station, equipping it with three motorcycles, a sniffer dog, and 18 officers with the necessary tools.

He encouraged the community to educate their children on law enforcement careers to prevent exclusion from police recruitment. He also advised resolving minor disputes at the local level instead of burdening the police with every issue.

Namukose Nabirye, Speaker of Jinja District, representing LC5 Chairman Batwala, pledged full support for the government’s initiatives in the region. MP Walyomu Muwanika Moses of Kagoma County welcomed the increased deployment of police officers, stating that it would enhance crime prevention.

He also urged Jinja City authorities to utilize land offered by Makerere University for development, suggesting he would advocate for its transfer to Namagera if left unused. He plans to table a motion in Parliament to allow local councils to allocate land for development without always awaiting central government approval.

Women’s councillor representative Annet Bazimbu Kubonaku expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance community security and significantly reduce crime, fostering development in the area.

On the same day, the Regional CID, SSP Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba, officially received a Nissan Double Cabin (Reg No. UP 7547, white) to enhance command, control, and administration within the CID department. This vehicle aims to improve crime scene response and mobility for better policing efficiency.

The IGP, Abbas Byakagaba, acting on a recommendation from CID Director AIGP Tom Magambo, provided logistical support to Kiira Region in recognition of its recent achievements in crime prevention. The support seeks to strengthen community-oriented, accountable, and modern policing.

AIGP Magambo cautioned the driver and the Regional CID against poor vehicle maintenance, stressing that proper upkeep is crucial for safety, performance, and comfort.

In 2019, the President directed the police to establish a sub-county policing model, mandating each sub-county to have a police station with 18 to 20 officers and four motorcycles, two designated for emergencies. More than 10,000 officers have since been deployed under this model. Each sub-county police station now has an officer-in-charge, 12 personnel for general duties, a CID officer, a crime intelligence officer, a Child and Family Protection Unit representative, and a Community Liaison Officer to engage with the public.

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