By Vicent Emong
Local leaders across the South Kyoga region have been urged to strengthen collaboration with police in crime prevention efforts ahead of the commissioning of newly constructed sub-county police stations.
According to South Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson ASP Stephen Mukombe, police have already conducted sensitization meetings with leaders in Ogooma and Mukongoro and are continuing similar engagements in Serere, Ngora, and Bukedea districts.
“We have so far met leaders in Ogooma and Mukongoro, and we are now heading to Serere, Ngora and Bukedea,” Mukombe said.
He explained that the meetings are intended to prepare local leaders for the upcoming deployment of officers to the new police stations established by government at sub-county level.
“We are training these leaders in preparation for the upcoming opening of sub-county police stations. The government has been constructing police stations at sub-county level, and they are expected to be operational soon,” he noted.
Mukombe emphasized the importance of close cooperation between local leaders and security personnel through joint patrols and community policing initiatives aimed at improving safety within communities.
“We are preparing local leaders by thanking them and calling upon them to work closely with the police through joint patrols and community policing meetings. New officers will soon be deployed to these stations, and we want them to enjoy good working relations with local leaders in fighting crime,” he said.
He stressed that maintaining security is a shared responsibility between communities and law enforcement agencies.
“Fighting crime is a collaborative effort between the community and the police. We therefore call upon local leaders in the region to encourage community members to participate in community policing meetings and cooperate with police officers,” Mukombe added.
The regional police spokesperson revealed that police are currently conducting community policing activities across the region while preparing leaders for the operationalization of the new stations.
Mukombe also noted that crime levels in the region have reduced compared to previous periods, especially cases involving livestock theft and domestic violence.
“So far, we are registering a reduced crime rate compared to previous periods. Although a few isolated cases still occur, crimes such as animal theft and domestic violence have reduced significantly,” he said.
However, he attributed some incidents of livestock theft to the continued issuance of animal movement permits at night and warned local leaders against the practice.
“During my tour, we realized that some cases of animal theft are linked to the issuance of movement permits for animals at night. I therefore reminded local chiefs and sub-county leaders that animal movement permits should only be issued during daytime,” he explained.
Mukombe warned that transporting animals at night often creates suspicion among security personnel and may lead to interception.
“If someone attempts to move animals at night, security personnel are likely to suspect theft and intercept them on the road,” he said.
The police spokesperson further encouraged villages to introduce visitors’ books to help communities monitor strangers entering their areas.
“We are encouraging villages to register visitors through visitors’ books. Every resident should inform the area chairperson whenever they receive a visitor, including where the visitor comes from and how long they intend to stay,” Mukombe said.
According to him, such measures will help communities remain vigilant and reduce opportunities for criminals to operate unnoticed.
“We are therefore urging leaders to remain vigilant in their areas and continue working closely with the police,” he concluded.
