Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba has issued a strong warning to police officers who routinely arrest and detain people even when such action may not be necessary. The police chief has reminded officers that their responsibility is to investigate suspected crimes and enforce the law, not to use police cells as a way of punishing citizens.

Byakagaba said officers should stop treating arrest as the first option whenever they receive complaints or encounter people suspected of wrongdoing. He advised them to consider other lawful procedures, such as summoning individuals to record statements or appear in court, instead of automatically arresting and keeping them behind bars.

The IGP made the remarks while addressing Regional Police Commanders, Regional Criminal Investigations Officers and Regional Crime Intelligence Officers during a meeting at Police Headquarters in Naguru. He used the meeting to remind senior officers that police powers must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law.

He particularly cautioned commanders against using arrests and detention to intimidate members of the public, settle personal interests or demonstrate authority. According to Byakagaba, no officer should detain someone simply because they have the power to do so. Every arrest and detention must have a lawful reason and be necessary under the circumstances.

The police chief also reminded officers to avoid interfering in civil disputes and other matters that do not fall within the police mandate. He explained that police are supposed to investigate suspected offences and prepare cases for the appropriate authorities, while courts are responsible for determining matters that require judicial decisions.

“Police is not in that category of punishing. The police is in the process of processing for the other side to look at the situation. It is not within our mandate,” Byakagaba said, emphasising that police officers should not behave as though they are judges or punishment authorities.

He further warned that unnecessary and prolonged detention creates pressure on police resources, including the available cells and personnel responsible for managing suspects. He criticised officers who consider keeping people in cells a sign of power, insisting that arrest should never be used as a form of punishment.

Meanwhile, Byakagaba revealed that the establishment of five police zones across the country is expected to improve supervision and the distribution of resources. Each zone will be headed by a senior police officer responsible for overseeing approximately five Regional Police Commanders, coordinating operations and addressing challenges affecting regional policing. His message comes as police leadership seeks to strengthen accountability while reminding officers to respect the rights of citizens.