In the Busoga sub-region, Kiira regional police territory has been identified as the most successful in preventing crime, according to the Joint Intelligence Committee’s 2024 estimates.
Lt. Jonathan Ibingira Rutabingwa, Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO) of the Busoga sub-region, made the announcement during a meeting of the Regional Joint Operations Command (R/JOC).
The meeting was held at Jinja City Chambers on February 26, 2025.
The intelligence report ranked Buyende district in the Busoga North region second, citing a significant decrease in combative crimes such as armed robberies and other organised crimes. This has been attributed to rigorous joint security operations, consistent monitoring, and successful evaluation efforts.
The Regional Police Commander (RPC) Kiira, SSP Charles Nsaba, chaired the R/JOC meeting, which was co-chaired by Jinja City’s Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Richard Gulume.
SSP Nsaba reaffirmed the joint security forces’ commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations.
He also emphasised that security agencies’ success should not be measured by the number of arrests made, but rather by their ability to prevent crimes before they happen.
“We are against massive arrests. We don’t judge your performance by how many people you arrest because it brings the name of the police and government into disrepute, especially when innocent people are arrested,” SSP Nsaba stated.
The RCC of Jinja City emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing in combating violent crimes such as terrorism, armed robbery, aggravated trafficking in persons, aggravated defilement, and aggravated torture.
He also promised to address the growing concern about marijuana cultivation in places like Butiki in Jinja City and Kagogwa in Jinja District.
Gulume stressed the importance of security forces doing the right thing before, during, and after the electoral process, emphasising the role of law enforcement in ensuring stability, particularly during political transitions.
Michael Kibwika, Jinja District Resident District Commissioner, emphasised the importance of effective coordination in policing efforts.
“Without coordination, effective policing cannot be achieved, and the people we serve will not be satisfied with our services,” he said.
The RDC warned the public not to engage in hate speech or spread harmful propaganda about security officers and the government via media platforms such as radio and TikTok.
Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Officer SSP Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba shared key findings from the Annual Crime Report (ACR) 2024, which showed a decrease in crime rates in the Kiira region.
The number of cases decreased from 4,155 in 2023 to 4,093 in 2024, a reduction of 62.
Dr. Agaba stated that law enforcement targeted key crime areas such as defilement, rape, land disputes, aggravated torture, economic crimes, and hate speech.
He also applauded the role of police dogs in gathering critical evidence in capital offenses, stating that their contributions have greatly enhanced CID’s ability to secure convictions.
He also cautioned aspiring politicians against forming radicalised political groups known as “Gaali.” He made it clear that anyone involved in such illegal groups would be arrested and prosecuted without favouritism.
Regional Traffic Officer (RTO) SP Marble Asingwire, who presented findings from the Annual Traffic Crime Report, revealed that the likelihood of fatal road crashes in Uganda is 60.8%, with the highest risks occurring between Friday and Monday.
Sundays were identified as the most dangerous day for motorists due to reckless driving, unnecessary overtaking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
She acknowledged a decrease in fatal crashes along the Jinja-Kamuli road, but expressed concern about the rising number of crashes along the Jinja-Iganga highway, particularly between Wanyange and Wandago in Magamaga Town Council, Mayuge district.
To reduce road crashes, SP Asingwire suggested appointing focal persons at all boda boda stages, increasing community engagement in road safety initiatives, enforcing traffic laws strictly, and advocating for custodial sentences for reckless drivers.
The Kiira region’s recognition as the most effective in crime prevention demonstrates security agencies’ collaborative efforts to combat crime and maintain law and order.
Crime has been significantly reduced in the region as a result of intelligence-led policing, improved coordination, and community engagement.
SP James Mubi, Kiira /Jinja police PRO, notes that security forces continue to face challenges, including radicalized political groups, hate speech, and road safety concerns.
As authorities implement new strategies, such as stricter road safety measures and targeted crime prevention initiatives, the Busoga subregion’s security and public safety will improve.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.