During the 25th Police Council meeting, in November, 2019, H.E. The President, directed the Police to review its territorial policing doctrine, by focusing more on policing at the Sub-county level, to help increase efficiency, consistency and stronger partnership with the community at that level.
As a result, the UPF conducted a study of the proposed sub-county policing model to ensure an effective policing policy, of the urban and rural areas of the community. The model is premised on the need to enhance police visibility, automation of policing services through advanced technology, consolidation of the available resources and assets at the sub-county. In addition, the key aspects of the model would involve; the establishment of at least one police station per sub-county, deployment of not less than 20 personnel, deployment of motorcycle squads, installation of counter phones that are popularized among residents, dedicated counter response teams, critical facilities, modern lockup facilities, better accommodation and medical services.
After a thorough study and evaluation of the model, a framework for the implementation of the sub-county policing model was done, although it was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UPF is now piloting the practicability of the model in selected areas within the Kampala Metropolitan Policing area and in the Central Regions of Savanah, Katonga, Ssezibwa and Wamala. It’s success will lead to its full scale implementation plan to cover all 2624 sub-counties in the country.
We want to inform our local leaders that the implementation of the model, will take a phased approach, that is determined by the available capabilities at the station of deployable personnel, logistical requirements of transport, office, residential facilities and communication facilities.
There are, however, fears from the local leaders and the communities, in the piloted areas that the merger of forces will impair performance in our local policing. They have raised concerns of reduced police response and visibility due to distance, which may impact safety and security in their localities.
We want to assure the public that the restructuring and reorganization is in its pilot phase. And a full spectrum of Police services to the entire sub-county, will continue to be provided in a more effective and efficient manner. The sub-county policing will handle emergencies, traffic, forensic experts, crime intelligence, and other specialized units. In addition, the merger of forces, allows for a more unified procedure of dealing with major incidents such as terrorism, domestic extremism and targeted attacks on police officers and stations, like in the recent Busiika Police station attack, where two police lives and two guns were lost. The sub-county policing model will increase capacity to counter such violent attacks and hostilities.
In the past, we have implemented the merger of forces in a strategic manner but sustained the delivery and responsiveness of policing services. At the sub-county level, the force is bigger to deliver protection, safety and security.
Therefore, the merger of forces under the sub-county policing model, has good potential and will not necessarily lead to a decline in local policing, since the sub-county is still at a local level. We will be able to maintain community level outcomes and relationships and sustain the neighborhood policing strategies.
Scp Fred Enanga
Police Spokesperson
06.11.2022
