The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, has directed the deployment of additional police officers to all sub-counties and town councils in Ibanda District following concerns over rising cases of murder and other crimes.

Byakagaba said each sub-county and town council would soon receive at least six additional police officers to strengthen security and improve police response to crime.

The IGP made the remarks during a security meeting with police officers and district stakeholders, including the Resident District Commissioner and district chairperson, at the Ibanda District headquarters.

The meeting focused on security challenges facing the district, particularly recent murder cases, livestock theft and the theft of agricultural produce, which local leaders said were undermining socio-economic development.

Byakagaba said security agencies have a responsibility to provide an environment in which citizens can live and work safely and pursue development without fear.

He urged residents to work closely with the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies by providing timely information on suspected criminals and other security threats in their communities.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” Byakagaba said, urging police officers to strengthen cooperation with other security agencies and local leaders in addressing crime.

The IGP said effective collaboration among security agencies and communities was essential to protecting lives and property and supporting the country's development aspirations.

Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize welcomed the IGP's intervention, saying maintaining peace and security requires the active participation of both citizens and security agencies.

Mbetegyereize appealed to residents to report information about suspected criminals to security agencies to facilitate investigations and prevent crime.

He encouraged residents with information on criminal activities to share it with security agencies through confidential channels where necessary.

Ibanda District chairperson Happy Herbert Mayanja said the meeting had provided an opportunity for district leaders to highlight some of the security gaps affecting communities.

Mayanja cited recent murders, livestock theft and the theft of agricultural produce among the major security concerns in the district.

He also raised concerns about inadequate police presence in some areas, saying some sub-counties do not have police posts.

He cited Bwahwa and Irimya Parish, which he said are more than 35 kilometres from Kicuzi Sub-county headquarters, where residents access police services.

Mayanja also said the Kagongo, Bisheshe and Bufunda divisions were too expansive to be effectively served by a single police post.

He welcomed the IGP's commitment to increase police personnel, saying the deployment would enhance police visibility, improve response to emergencies and strengthen crime prevention across the district.

The planned deployment comes as district authorities and security agencies seek to address growing concerns over violent crime and improve coordination between communities and law enforcement agencies.