New Kampala Metropolitan Police boss Emitu takes over office

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The newly appointed Kampala Metropolitan Police commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ezekiel Emitu Ebapu, on Tuesday (February 24) took over office from Richard Ecega during a handover ceremony held at Central Police Station.

The function was presided over by Assistant Inspector General of Police and Director of Operations, Frank Mwesigwa.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Police said Mwesigwa commended the outgoing commander for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership throughout his tenure.

He noted that KMP operates in one of the most sensitive and demanding policing environments in the country, requiring constant vigilance, resilience and sound judgement.

He applauded Ecega for executing his responsibilities with commitment and professionalism and urged him to carry the experience gained into his new office and continue to serve with distinction.

Mwesigwa emphasised that command is not merely a change of office, but a transition of responsibility, authority and accountability.

He urged Emitu to prioritise crime prevention through strengthened inter-agency collaboration, firmness, restraint and professionalism in operations, enhanced discipline, supervision and operational accountability, as well as strong partnerships with the community, emphasising that public trust is a strategic asset.

He concluded by calling upon the new commander to perform his duties diligently and professionally, guided by discipline and an unwavering commitment to public service.

IGP shakes up KMP structure

In a bid to curb increasing criminality in and around the Greater KMP area, Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba last week made changes to the policing structure, dropping Ecega.

On February 17, 2026, Byakagaba recalled and appointed Emitu, who had been commandant of the Police Training School in Kabalye, Masindi district, back to KMP as the new commander.

Also removed were Ecega’s deputy, Gerald Twishimye, the head of crime intelligence within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Ben Kasozi, and Old Kampala Divisional Police Commander Francis Liiga.

Senior police sources who spoke to New Vision confirmed that the development followed a hastily convened joint security meeting last Tuesday to discuss public outcry over increased attacks in different parts of KMP and the country.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke on Wednesday (February 18) confirmed that changes had been effected at KMP but downplayed claims that they were due to rising criminality.

“The appointing authority always appoints and makes transfers for purposes of greater efficiency. He knows how best to reorganise his troops and knows where to place them. But usually, all movement of troops is always aimed at efficiency and optimisation,” Rusoke said.

Emitu is not new to policing in KMP, having previously served as deputy KMP commander under the current Assistant Inspector General of Police, Frank Mwesigwa, who is also Director of Operations.

No cause for alarm

Emitu’s transfer comes amid assurances from the Director of Crime Intelligence of the Uganda Police Force, Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, that the security situation is under control.

Responding to newspaper headlines last Tuesday suggesting criminal gangs had taken over the country, Ddamulira said police had taken note of the concerns raised by the media.

"We are also alive to the plight of those that have fallen victim to crime and everything within means is being done to ensure that there is a peaceful environment for everyone," Ddamulira said.

He added that it is not true that crime has taken over.

"Certainly, it hasn’t! Yes, I have seen a couple of complaints on social media. I have also noticed some incidents of mugging, especially at traffic junctions and long traffic jams. People have lost valuables in these incidents, and they are right to complain and demand better service. I have also noted some cases of murder and break-ins. Some of those cases have been resolved. However, away from social media and headlines, we are making good progress in dealing with crime," Ddamulira said.

He outlined recent achievements.

"From January 20-24, 2026, we recovered four SMGs in KMP and arrested nine suspects. I got a forensic report on Monday, which shows that these guns were used in 30 incidents of aggravated robberies in KMP from Jun 2025 to Jan 2026. It doesn’t surprise me that since these recoveries were made, KMP has not registered a single gun-related incident," Ddamulira said.

He also said the suspects arrested have since admitted to 12 murders, including that of the OC Ntawo, and are being processed to court.

"To us, this is a very big achievement. Second, the murder of Pamela Tumwebaze of Uganda Christian University (UCU) is almost resolved. I personally addressed the congregation in Naalya during the vigil and assured them that the suspect will be arrested. A day later, we got him with exhibits, and the family reached out to appreciate our timely response," Ddamulira said.

He added that "the double murder in a hotel in Lungujja is also as good as resolved. We arrested the key suspect and recovered the exhibit of the car he stole from the hotel after killing the lady and the security guard."

On the case of TikToker Diana Namulinde, who was murdered after being raped, Ddamulira said it was as good as resolved.

"The suspect was arrested and charged to court, and exhibits recovered, " he said.

Ddamulira said territorial commands are also actively addressing crime.

Speaking about recent concerns, Rusoke said, “We mind about people’s concerns because we are the custodians of their peace. Several incidents that have been reported to police or through social media platforms have consequently prompted police to respond and even register success. We have also made major breakthroughs in respect of aggravated robberies,” he said.

Rusoke last Wednesday said police had conducted several disruptive operations within the Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area.

“From February 3, 2026, to date, we have made over 440 arrests of suspected muggers, burglars, and consumers of narcotics. We have screened them and taken the majority to court. We have made breakthroughs in several murders of recent years by arresting suspects with good leads,” he stated.

He appealed to the public, “to stay calm and maintain contact with the police. Have our contacts, both the hotlines at our command centres and the telephone contacts at the various police stations in your neighbourhoods.”

Rusoke shared the following hotline contacts: 0800199699, 0776999136, 0707600773. He also shared the contact for the national emergency centre which is 0800199399 or 112 or 999. Traffic can be reached on 0800199099, CID on 0800200093 and the Directorate of Fire and Rescue Services on 0800121222, 0783738496 and 0709010820.