IGP Byakagaba Assures Rwenzori Residents of Security After Recent Attacks

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, has assured residents of the Rwenzori region of continued security and stability following a string of recent coordinated attacks on police and army installations.

Speaking during a visit to Kasese District on Wednesday, Byakagaba reaffirmed the commitment of the Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies to safeguarding lives and property in the area.

“I want to assure our people that they should remain stable and feel secure because we are there for them. Nobody is going to disorganize their good living,” he said, adding that “the misguided are very few, and a good number has been arrested and will be processed through courts of law.”

The assurance comes two weeks after November 1 attacks, where armed assailants targeted security posts across the Rwenzori sub-region. In Rwenzori West, attacks were reported in Bunyangabu, Bundibugyo, Fort Portal City (around Nyakasura School and Canon Apollo Core PTC), and Kabarole District. In Rwenzori East, the attackers descended on Kasese Police Barracks and Rugendabara Police Station, also hitting army detachments at Malindi and Kakukha, leaving several dead and others injured.

Security forces swiftly responded, neutralizing several attackers and arresting others. President Yoweri Museveni later revealed that the attackers had crossed from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During his visit, Byakagaba urged officers in Kasese to adopt the area policing approach to strengthen community engagement and crime prevention. He commended the officers for their rapid and coordinated response during the November 1 incident.

The IGP also met with leaders of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, led by Prime Minister Benson Kule Baritazale, encouraging closer cooperation with security agencies. He called on local leaders to provide timely intelligence and support ongoing police initiatives such as the Subcounty Policing Model.

Byakagaba later held discussions with religious leaders and local security stakeholders, emphasizing that collaboration and vigilance are key to ensuring sustainable peace and security in the Rwenzori region