Kampala, Uganda – The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, has established nine electoral policing zones across Uganda to enhance security coordination during the upcoming electoral processes.
The new structure, announced in a July 16 press release from Police Headquarters in Naguru signed by ACP Rusoke Kituuma the spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force, is designed to ensure peaceful primaries and general elections nationwide.
According to Kituuma, senior police officers including AIGP Kafeero Moses Kabugo – who will command the Busoga Zone based in Jinja covering Busoga North, Busoga East, Kiira and Sezibwa regions – have been appointed to lead each zone with immediate effect.
AIGP Tanui Stephen has taken command of the Northern Zone based in Gulu, overseeing Aswa West, Aswa East, West Nile and North West Nile regions, while CP Lawot Patrick assumes leadership of the Karamoja Zone headquartered in Moroto, with responsibility for Mt. Moroto, Kidepo, Elgon, Sipi, Bukedi South and Bukedi North areas.
Other appointments include CP Nkore Paul for Kyoga Zone in Soroti covering North Kyoga, East Kyoga and South Kyoga; CP Maate Godfrey Bolingo for Central Zone in Masaka overseeing Masaka West, Masaka East, Wamala and Katonga; and CP Muluya Moses for Albertine Zone in Hoima handling Albertine South, Albertine North and Savannah regions.
The Kampala Metropolitan Zone under CP Ecega Richard will manage KMP North, KMP South and KMP East, while CP Kulaigye Hillary takes command of South Western Zone in Mbarara covering Rwizi, Kigezi and Greater Bushenyi.
CP Namuwoza Dennis completes the list as head of Rwenzori Zone in Fort Portal responsible for Rwenzori East and Rwenzori West.
ACP Rusoke Kituuma, confirmed the immediate implementation of these appointments, stating the measures demonstrate the police force’s commitment to free, fair and peaceful elections.
The newly appointed zonal commanders will work with the Electoral Commission and local leaders to maintain electoral order, as part of police efforts to decentralize security operations for quicker response and localized oversight against violence and malpractice.
The announcement comes as Uganda prepares for its electoral cycle, with analysts viewing the move as a proactive step to address previous challenges of electoral violence and security deployment delays.
The new zonal structure aims to improve intelligence gathering, crowd control and inter-agency coordination during the election
