Kitgum leaders call for faster rollout of subcounty policing model
The initiative aims to establish fully functional police stations in every sub-county, municipality and town council, complete with personnel, communication equipment and patrol motorcycles to strengthen security and improve crime response at the grassroots.
Local leaders in Namokora sub-county, Kitgum District, have appealed to the Uganda Police Force to expedite the implementation of the sub-county policing model. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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Local leaders in Namokora sub-county, Kitgum district, have appealed to the Uganda Police Force to expedite the implementation of the sub-county policing model, saying the area remains without deployed police officers despite the Government's commitment to decentralising policing services.
The sub-county policing model was directed by President Yoweri Museveni during the 25th Annual Police Council meeting on November 19, 2019.
The initiative aims to establish fully functional police stations in every sub-county, municipality and town council, complete with personnel, communication equipment and patrol motorcycles to strengthen security and improve crime response at the grassroots.
To accelerate the rollout of the initiative, the Uganda Police Advisory Committee, meeting at police headquarters on January 2, 2025, resolved to establish a special committee to oversee its implementation.
Under the model, each subcounty is expected to have an Officer in Charge (OC) station supported by personnel responsible for patrol and general duties, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Crime Intelligence (CI), the Child and Family Protection Unit, and the Community Liaison Office (CLO).
He said the subcounty has repeatedly written to the Kitgum district police commander requesting deployment but has not received a satisfactory response.
According to Oryem, the absence of a police station has contributed to rising crime in the area, forcing residents to arrest suspects on their own.
He said suspects must then be transported to Namokora town council, where the nearest police station is located, a journey that is both costly and inconvenient.
He added that the long distance makes it difficult for complainants and relatives of suspects to visit those held in police custody.
In some cases, Oryem said, complainants are asked to provide fuel for police motorcycles before officers can travel to effect arrests or transport suspects.
To address the accommodation challenge, Oryem said the sub-county has identified an unused building at Bola Primary School that could temporarily host police officers while local authorities secure land for the construction of a permanent police station.
He said it is the responsibility of local stakeholders to ensure such facilities are available before officers can be deployed.
Where no facilities exist, police personnel are stationed in nearby subcounties but continue to serve the affected areas.
Okai acknowledged the police's commitment to implementing the subcounty policing model but said progress has been slowed by limited resources, often requiring local authorities to rent accommodation for officers.
Regarding Namokora's proposal to use a building at Bola Primary School, Okai said the arrangement is unsuitable because police operations and school activities cannot safely coexist in the same compound.
He explained that housing police officers and suspects within school premises could create security and welfare concerns for learners and teachers.
He therefore urged the Namokora subcounty authorities to identify an alternative location that can safely accommodate a temporary police station while plans for a permanent facility are pursued.