IGP pledges more police officers as Ibanda, Kazo face murder wave

What the report says

Uganda’s Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has pledged to send more officers to Ibanda and Kazo districts as security agencies respond to a cluster of murders and rising concern among residents. The pledge came during a visit to Ibanda on Sunday, where he met district security officials and the Rwizi Regional Security team.

According to Nile Post, local leaders say the two districts have seen a sharp increase in violent crime, with reports of at least 25 killings in less than three months. In Ibanda, incidents have been reported in areas including Kanyansheko Ward, Keihangara, Bisheshe Division and Nyamareebe Sub-county. District officials have linked some of the unrest to issues such as drug abuse, theft, domestic violence and disputes within families and over land.

Byakagaba said each sub-county would receive six additional police officers to improve coverage and speed up response times. He also urged communities to support policing efforts by sharing information and reporting suspicious activity. Ibanda leaders welcomed the move, saying extra personnel could help especially in remote areas with limited access to police posts.

Kazo has also faced serious violence in recent weeks, including a case in late September in which police said three people were killed and two others were badly injured. The planned reinforcement is meant to support patrols, community policing and broader crime prevention efforts as authorities try to restore confidence in both districts.