Police plan new senior rank, five-zone command structure

What the report says

The Uganda Police Force is preparing a major restructuring that would add a new senior rank above Assistant Inspector General of Police, according to Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba. He outlined the proposal during a Thursday meeting with senior commanders at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, where officers responsible for regions, divisions, criminal investigations and intelligence were present.

Under the plan, the new title would be Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police, creating another layer between AIGPs and the office of the IGP. Byakagaba said the aim is to keep top leadership relatively small while making command more accountable and suited to the force’s workload. He also described a broader reorganisation that would divide policing into five zones from 2027, with Kampala Metropolitan retaining its current zonal status and four more zones covering the rest of the country. Each zone would be led by a senior officer with authority over personnel, logistics, funding and operations.

The IGP said the changes should be matched by practical support for commanders, including transport and other resources needed to respond effectively. He also pointed to wider institutional plans such as new accommodation blocks, a police hospital, a forensic laboratory and expanded canine support. In addition, he said future annual crime reports will include more than crime statistics, covering police operations, community work and reforms. The proposals are part of an internal review process, and The Independent Uganda reports they are intended to make the force leaner, more responsive and more focused on prevention rather than reacting after crimes occur.