Kiira Region Leads in Crime Prevention in Busoga

Kiira region has been recognized as the most effective in crime prevention in the Busoga sub-region, according to the 2024 estimates by the Joint Intelligence Committee. 

This was disclosed by the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO) of Busoga sub-region, Lt. Jonathan Ibingira Rutabingwa, during the Regional Joint Operations Command (R/JOC) meeting held at Jinja City Chambers on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

The intelligence report ranked Buyende district, from the Busoga North region, in second place while highlighting a significant reduction in combative crimes such as armed robberies and other organized crimes. This has been attributed to rigorous joint security operations, consistent monitoring, and effective evaluation efforts.

The R/JOC meeting was chaired by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) Kiira, SSP Charles Nsaba, and co-chaired by the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Jinja City, Mr. Richard Gulume. 

During his address, SSP Nsaba reaffirmed the commitment of joint security forces to intensify intelligence-led operations. 

He also emphasized that security agencies not to judge their success by the number of arrests made but rather by their ability to prevent crimes before they occur.

"We are against massive arrests. We don’t judge your performance by how many people you arrest because it brings the name of the police and government into disrepute, especially when innocent people are arrested," SSP Nsaba stated.

RCC Jinja City, Mr. Richard Gulume, stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing in tackling violent crimes such as terrorism, armed robberies, aggravated trafficking in persons, aggravated defilement, and aggravated torture. 

He further pledged to address the growing concern of marijuana cultivation in areas such as Butiki in Jinja City and Kagogwa in Jinja District.

Gulume emphasised that the security forces must be seen doing the right thing before, during, and after the electoral process highlighting the role of law enforcement in ensuring stability, particularly during political transitions.

Meanwhile, Jinja District, Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Michael Kibwika, underlined the importance of proper coordination in policing efforts. 

"Without coordination, effective policing cannot be achieved, and the people we serve will not be satisfied with our services," he said. 

He further cautioned the public against engaging in hate speech or spreading harmful propaganda against security officers and the government through media platforms like radio and TikTok.

Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Officer, SSP Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba, provided key insights from the Annual Crime Report (ACR) 2024, which indicated a decline in crime rates in Kiira region. The number of cases dropped from 4,155 in 2023 to 4,093 in 2024, a reduction of 62 cases.

Dr. Agaba pointed out that law enforcement focused on key crime areas such as defilement, rape, land-related disputes, aggravated torture, economic crimes, and hate speech. 

He also applauded the role of police dogs in gathering critical evidence in capital offenses, stating that their contributions have greatly enhanced CID’s ability to secure convictions.

Additionally, he warned against the formation of radicalized political groups, commonly referred to as "Gaali," by intending politicians. He made it clear that individuals involved in such unlawful groups would face arrest and prosecution without favoritism.

Regional Traffic Officer (RTO), SP Marble Asingwire, who presented findings from the Annual Traffic Crime Report, revealed that the probability of fatal road accidents in Uganda stands at 60.8%, with the highest risks occurring between Friday and Monday. 

Sundays were identified as the most dangerous day for road users due to reckless driving, unnecessary overtaking, and high alcohol consumption.

She acknowledged a decline in fatal accidents along the Jinja-Kamuli road but raised concerns over the increasing number of accidents along the Jinja-Iganga highway, particularly from Wanyange to Wandago in Magamaga Town Council, Mayuge District.

To mitigate road accidents, SP Asingwire recommended; the appointment of focal persons at all boda boda stages, enduring enhanced community engagement in road safety initiatives, implementing strict enforcement of traffic laws, and also advocating for custodial sentences for reckless driving offenders.

The R/JOC meeting was attended by key security agencies and stakeholders, including; Major Kenneth Karokora, representing Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye, the Cantonment Commander of Busoga sub-region, SP Andrew Ochwo, representing RPC Prisons SSP Deogracious Ogwapit, Regional Heads of Departments (HODs), District Police Commanders (DPCs) and Officers in charge (OCs) of specialized units.

The recognition of Kiira region as the most effective in crime prevention is a testament to the collaborative efforts of security agencies in combating crime and maintaining law and order. 

Through intelligence-led policing, enhanced coordination, and community engagement, the region has achieved a notable reduction in crime.

However, SP James Mubi, Kiir /Jinja police spokesperson notes that security forces continue to face challenges, including radicalized political groups, hate speech, and road safety concerns. As authorities implement new strategies, including stricter road safety measures and targeted crime prevention initiatives, the Busoga sub-region is poised for improved security and public safety.