Kira Road Police Admit Gaps in School Outreach, Shift Focus to Prevention

Kira Road Police Division has acknowledged significant gaps in its school outreach programmes, revealing that several secondary schools within its jurisdiction have never been reached by community policing initiatives.

Divisional Police Commander Suubi Sam said the revelation has prompted a comprehensive review aimed at assessing the real impact of police engagement in schools. He noted that the exercise will move beyond routine activity reports to focus on tangible outcomes such as crime reduction, improved reporting, and increased legal awareness among students.

“We have been active, yes—but we must ask ourselves: are we effective?” Suubi said, adding that the new assessment will prioritise measurable results rather than activities alone.The review comes at a time when schools in densely populated suburbs such as Kamwokya and Kyebando are grappling with mounting urban pressures. Many of these schools are located near drug hubs, betting centres, and high-crime areas—environments that police say expose students to risky behaviour at an early age.

“This is not just about discipline; it’s about survival in these environments,” Suubi warned, citing a growing threat of gang recruitment and substance abuse among learners.

While acknowledging ongoing community policing efforts, Suubi emphasised that effectiveness remains a key concern, noting the need to evaluate whether current interventions are delivering meaningful results.

In response, the division is shifting its strategy from reactive enforcement to prevention, introducing a mentorship-based model of policing.

“A police officer should not only be seen when there is a problem,” he said. “We want to build relationships, guide students, and prevent crime before it happens.”

Authorities say the review will also examine whether students feel confident reporting crimes, amid concerns that many cases have historically gone unreported.

“If students cannot trust us, then our presence in schools means very little,” Suubi added.

Anatoli Muleterwa, Commissioner for Community Policing, reinforced the call for prevention, urging students to take personal responsibility for their choices.

“Success is built on discipline, hard work, and purpose,” Muleterwa said. “If you try to mix success with pleasure, you will eventually fail.”

He cautioned that crime carries serious consequences, even for young offenders.

“Crime does not bring pride; it brings fear, embarrassment, and isolation,” he said, adding that “as long as you are 12 years and above, the law will catch up with you.”

Muleterwa also urged students to take school programmes seriously and avoid negative peer influence, which he described as a major driver of indiscipline and criminal behaviour.

Police are now calling on students to play a more active role in community policing.

“Ask questions. Demand answers,” Suubi said, encouraging learners to report crime and hold officers accountable.

At the same time, the division is expanding its approach beyond schools to include parents, local leaders, and informal community actors such as boda boda riders.

“Security is not just a police responsibility; it is a community responsibility,” Suubi emphasised.

Authorities say rebuilding trust, strengthening partnerships, and breaking the silence around hidden crimes will be key to safeguarding students.

As the reforms take shape, Kira Road Police Division says its focus is clear: transforming schools from vulnerable spaces into safe environments through prevention, accountability, and sustained community engagement.