Uganda: Police Launch Sub-County Policing Model to Strengthen Security in Bukedi

Residents of Bukedi Sub-region, many of whom rely on small-scale farming, have long grappled with insecurity and the loss of property to opportunistic thieves.

In response, police in Bukedi South have launched a Sub-county Policing Model aimed at bringing law enforcement closer to communities and improving response times to criminal incidents.

Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, who presided over the rollout, said the initiative is designed to safeguard livelihoods and support government programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).

"Our people have been complaining about losing livestock they bought with PDM funds. Uganda Police, this is an opportunity to add a brick in nation-building, creating hope for economic empowerment and development," Oboth Oboth remarked.

The model establishes police presence at every lower administrative unit, deploying officers at sub-county level to provide timely responses to crime.

In Tororo District alone, it has already been rolled out in 62 sub-counties, with local leaders encouraged to support its implementation.

Bukedi Regional Police Commander Ayatollah Kapchemut emphasized the critical role of timely intervention in law enforcement.

"If you are to save life and property, time is of the essence. I urge leaders to embrace this initiative so that communities can engage in productive activities and achieve the socio-economic transformation we desire," he said.

While the program has received positive reception, challenges remain, including limited funding and personnel shortages. Oboth Oboth assured residents that the government is committed to addressing these gaps.

"I have been privileged to sit in cabinet meetings, and I assure you that resources will be found. In every sub-county, we aim to have up to 18 police officers with all necessary units and departments," he pledged.

Previously, victims of theft and other crimes in Bukedi often traveled long distances to report incidents, sometimes compromising investigations and delaying justice.

The Sub-county Policing Model is expected to bridge these gaps, strengthen community confidence in law enforcement, and contribute to socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level.

Read the original article on Nile Post.