Kampala, Uganda
Protests in support of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye have intensified in Kampala and its surrounding suburbs, coinciding with a massive crisis in police deployments within the city.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police, historically at the forefront of maintaining security, has seen its operations and presence in the city significantly diminished due to a large-scale redeployment of officers to rural sub-counties. This shift, which has left a gap in the capital’s policing, has triggered heightened concerns among city dwellers and businesses, particularly as the Besigye protests gain momentum.
Multiple sources within the Kampala Metropolitan Police, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the ongoing situation has left police operations in disarray. With fewer officers available to coordinate and prevent security threats, there are growing concerns about the force’s ability to keep up with rising unrest.
One police source explained, “The manpower shortage has severely impacted our ability to plan, respond, and monitor security threats effectively. We no longer have the same resources for citywide surveillance and crime prevention.”
As part of a national restructuring initiative, many officers from various units were transferred to sub-counties across Uganda. This move, intended to strengthen law enforcement in rural areas, has left city posts undermanned. Several police booths in Kampala have been closed, while the remaining officers are stretched thin.
A businessman based in Kampala’s central business district (CBD) shared his concerns, stating, “Business is at risk. We’re witnessing a rise in crime, and without the visible presence of police, criminals feel emboldened. Many of them had retreated after facing pressure from police operations, but now, they are returning.”
The businessman added, “Most of the officers who knew the ins and outs of the city, especially those from general duties and crime intelligence, have been transferred. This has created a significant gap, and criminals are exploiting the situation.”
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Onyango, acknowledged the reduced number of officers in the city but downplayed any threat to public safety. “Yes, there has been a reduction in police numbers in Kampala. However, this is part of the implementation of the Presidential directive on the Subcounty Police Model, which aims to bolster local law enforcement across Uganda.”
Mr. Onyango explained that many officers had already reported to their new posts in rural sub-counties. “This shift is in line with President Museveni’s vision of a nationwide police force that serves all corners of the country. Our sister forces, including the military, are already supporting us in Kampala, and together we are committed to ensuring security.”
The Subcounty Policing Model (SCPM), introduced by President Museveni in 2019, aimed to decentralize police operations and create stations at subcounty levels. This initiative is designed to enhance local security, particularly in rural areas, and support the government’s development programs, such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.
While officials maintain that the new deployment strategy is in the interest of strengthening national security, critics argue that the reduced police presence in Kampala, amid the ongoing Besigye protests, has left the city more vulnerable to crime and unrest.
As Besigye’s supporters continue to mobilize, the situation in Kampala remains tense. Observers are closely watching how police and other security agencies will manage the protests while contending with the challenges of an overstretched force.