The festive season has climaxed without any major criminal incident.
Last year, the Uganda police made a significant shift in policing strategy, focusing on community policing and the use of canine units spread countrywide. Looking ahead in 2025, ERNEST JJINGO writes that these measures have led to a remarkable reduction in crime, showcasing the effectiveness of a more collaborative and strategic approach to law enforcement.
Community Policing Initiatives
In 2024, community policing has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s crime prevention strategy. The police have intensified their outreach programs, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, boda boda riders, and businessperson.
These initiatives aim to educate the community on the importance of maintaining a crime-free environment through vigilance and the prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
During these outreach programs, police distribute informational fliers emphasizing the significance of community vigilance. According to Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, this approach has yielded substantial benefits.
“Our actions are driven by information, and we collaborate with other institutions, often relying on the public as our frontline and eyes. Community policing is emphasized in everything we do, easing our work,” he says.
SUCCESS OF THE CANINE UNIT
In addition to community policing, the Uganda Police Force has heavily invested in the canine unit to aid in tracking criminals. Records from January to May 2024 show the Uganda Police Canine Unit achieved remarkable results: 8,563 tracking cases leading to the arrest of 6,843 individuals, with 2,883 suspects presented in court.
Between July and September 2024, the unit attended to 4,638 cases, successfully recovering exhibits in 1,566 of them. As the year draws to a close, statistics indicate that the Uganda Police Force has registered 18,322 tracking cases, resulting in the arrest of 14,400 suspects and the recovery of over 5,000 exhibits.
“In many communities, widespread unemployment and drug use are major causes of crime. Organizing more youth-focused dialogues have helped everyone understand their role in crime prevention and build capacity to avoid crime engagement,” says Rusoke.
One notable case involved Hector, a sniffer dog based at Mwizi Police Station in Rwampara district, who helped arrest Leticia Nabawanuka in connection with the murder of her co- wife, Grace Nyakwezi.
On November 4, 2024, children discovered a woman’s body in a banana plantation, prompting police intervention. The scene revealed significant evidence, including a pool of blood and signs of dragging.
Hector led the officers to a locked house belonging to Nabawanuka, who confessed upon arrest. Blood-stained clothing was found in her house, underscoring the importance of the canine unit in solving crimes.
ENHANCING CANINE CAPABILITIES
In September, Frank Mwesigwa, the Uganda Police director of Operations, inspected the canine capabilities at the breeding center in Nagalama. He praised the unit for enhancing its capacity, noting the transition from importing canines to developing an in-house breeding program.
“This initiative has resulted in a tenfold increase in the number of canines, now serving various districts across the country,” he said.
In November, the Uganda Police Force expanded its canine unit services to the districts of Kibuku, Kassanda, Bukomansimbi, Kihiihi, and Nakasongola. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all regions have access to effective crime-fighting resources.
COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Rusoke emphasized that while not every arrest results in a court case due to various investigative gaps, the overall performance of the canine unit has been outstanding.
“Our canine unit is doing a wonderful job and has given the nation a credible international rating. Remember in January, the canine unit secured the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo and Serena Conference Center, the venues for the 19th Non- Aligned Movement summit,” he says.
The success of these initiatives demonstrates the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to modernizing its approach to law enforcement. By fostering strong community relations and enhancing the capabilities of the canine unit, the police have made significant strides in crime prevention and resolution.
As the festive season continues, the police remain vigilant, ready to ensure the safety and security of all Ugandans. The combination of community policing and the effective use of canine units stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in building a safer society.
