I must admit that the position of Police Spokesperson, was one of the greatest honors of my life. Above all, I would like to thank the Almighty God, for his protection and guidance, during my tenure. And to further express my debt of gratitude to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Leadership, for the invaluable support, advice, great teamwork, confidence and trust that they placed in me. I have nothing but gratitude and look forward to your continuous guidance and support.

To all the territorial commanders across all jurisdictions, I thank you for your unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and for upholding the values of integrity, professionalism and compassion. It was truly inspiring. Your collective efforts and support towards the office of the PRO, continues to make a positive impact on the safety and well-being of our citizens. Thank you all for the constant updates on crime and safety.

I also want to congratulate the new Police Spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma. I say this as I welcome you; “You are a fire brain and performer, keep doing what you are doing”. I also want to remind you about the immense responsibility ahead. You are taking on a tough task that requires great dedication. Always act with integrity, and treat every member of the public with respect and compassion”.

To the officers and staff of the Press and Public Relations, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support, trust and loyalty, during my time as the Police Spokesperson. Your resilience and dedication to the mission of Press and Public Relations, made it an honor to lead and serve alongside you. I am confident, that under your new leader, the department will continue to thrive and excel in its mission to protect and serve.

To the Fourth Estate (Journalists and Editors), and all Government Communicators (GCOF), thank you for your commitment, hard work, assurances and the impressive journey we have walked and worked together. We have accomplished many concerns on crime, safety and security. We have learnt from each other beginning with the year 2007, as CID Liaison Officer, then in 2014 – 2016, as the Police Spokesperson, and again from 2019 – June 2024, I thank you all, for the voice and heart that you put in your engagements.

As always keep it sincere, professional and beyond approach, while working tirelessly to give accounts to the Public. I am indebted to you all. To the general public, thank you, for your insights, criticisms and feedback that have always been refreshing. Remember, Public safety is everyone’s priority and I urge you all to remain committed, to working with the police in addressing all crime and safety concerns, within your communities.

To my family, wife, children, siblings, parents, relatives and friends, I am forever indebted to you and beyond. I thank you for your unwavering love and support throughout the years. Your understanding, patience and encouragement, have been a bedrock of my success and I am forever grateful for your sacrifice.

As I conclude, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to have served you all as the Police Spokesperson. I will always cherish the memories, friendship and bonds we have formed. May you continue to serve the office of PRO with honor courage and dedication. Thank you, and God bless you all.

SCP Enanga Fred

Outgoing – Police Spokesperson

1st July 2024

“I would like on behalf of the Uganda Police to wish all Ugandans and visitors in the country, best wishes of joy, peace, good health, and prosperity, during Christmas and the New Year, 2024. For many families, this season is a time for fun, love, care, togetherness, and celebration. But for some it can be a very difficult time.

Let us all take time to look out for those who may not have a family or even a roof over their head. A small gesture can end up meaning the world to somebody else. From a policing view, the year 2023 has been an exceptionally busy year, with many challenges that included the tragic New Year concert at Freedom City, attacks on police stations and posts, cattle raids within Karamoja and the neighboring districts, attacks on schools including Lhubirira SSS, attacks by violent actors and ADF rebels, murders arising of domestic violence, land conflicts and armed robberies etc, whose impact has been devastating for those directly affected, their families and Ugandans at large. Despite these challenges, I am pleased to announce that 2023 has been a good year for policing in the country.

The police and sister security agencies of the UPDF, Prisons, SFC, JIC (CMI, ISO, CI, and ESO), JATT, carried out specific and joint special operations, which made our country, Uganda, one of the safest countries on the continent. To a great extent, we reduced gun related crimes and the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition, terrorism, gang and marine crimes, house breaking, burglaries, acid attacks, motor vehicle thefts, cattle raids within Karamoja and the neighboring districts, and many other traditional crimes.

Our success has been due to the hard work of the police in coordination with sister security agencies, the reorganization of CID, improved detection and investigation, a robust crime intelligence directorate, that has built a proactive network of credible informants and strategic partnerships with the community, including the ghetto youth, and other intelligence components to disrupt and dismantle criminals targeting our country, new initiatives like the expansion of the motorcycle squads, visible tactical and operational teams, expansive community policing, forensic science and the increased deployment of technology and 2500 additional police officers, among other initiatives.

In addition, our increased level of cooperation with the office of the DPP, JLOS, the judiciary, and other partners under the criminal justice system, the Anti Human Trafficking bodies, and all MDAs, has enabled us secure notable convictions on court cases of child sacrifice, human trafficking, violent murders like in the Maria Nagirinya case, and that of the serial women killer, where the convicts are now facing lengthy prison sentences.

We also achieved a major breakthrough in the case of the late Joan Kagezi of the ODPP, after 8 years, and the suspects charged to court. Other key achievements in the year, 2023 include the implementation of the sub-county policing model in Greater Masaka, the establishment of call response centers at 20 sub-county police stations in Aswa, East Kyoga, and Mt. Moroto, policing regions, to help enhance our crime reporting mechanisms.

Also achieved is an increased presence and functionality of the police in Karamoja, through the construction of 7 community police stations, at Lokori in Karenga, Nakapelimoru in Kotido, Morulem in Abim, Nakiloro in Moroto, Alakas in Amudat, Namalu in Nakapiripirit, and Apeitolum in Napak.

Each station has staff housing units, motorcycles, water, and solar power. We have also provided new residential and office facilities to 7 new district police stations of Kwania, Kapelebyong, Rukungiri, Luweero, Sheema, and Ntoroko; constructed accommodation blocks in Nakasongola, Sheema, Busolwe, Mitooma, Kanungu, Kakumiro, Katwe-Kabatooro, and Kafunjo, a Regional Police clinic at Moroto, the Regional Maintenance center in Arua, the Aircraft maintenance center at Kimaka-Jinja.

We also commenced the construction of the police headquarters complex at Naguru, two district police stations at Bukomansimbi, and Lwengo, and 24 apartment blocks at Kiira division, Entebbe and Jinja. We made house renovations in Mbale barracks (6), Jinja (12), Gulu (7), and Entebbe (16), and also commenced the replacement of asbestos roofs in Soroti, Nagalama, the Police clinic in Bugiri and at Fire Brigade headquarters.

This year, 2023, we strengthened force discipline and adherence to human rights by operationalizing disciplinary courts in all districts across the country, investigated 794 of the 933 complaints of human rights violation by the police, eliminated the soil bucket system through the remodeling of 10 detention facilities in Panyadoli, Kiryandongo, Paidha, Maracha, Yumbe, Atiak, and Kololo, bringing our total coverage of water borne toilets to 68%.

We have also expanded the K9 unit and established its services in 8 districts of Karenga, Moroto, Nabilatuk, Kumi, Buliisa, Luuka, Bukedea, Katakwi, Kaabong, and Napak. Looking to our national responsibilities, we anticipate huge policing ambitions in 2024. We plan to strengthen our business and case management systems under the e-PIS project, an integrated digital platform for management of policing services, police major international conferences, expansive use of technology, establish an online complaints management system at the Profesional standards unit.

We are also developing the UPF doctrine according to national and international standards, embracing paper less transactions by leveraging ICT systems in all 29 regions, continuous coordination and cooperation with other key stakeholders to reduce duplication, recruiting and skilling officers to match Contemporary policing needs, etc. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank H.E. the President for his guidance, the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs and the Police Authority for their stewardship.

I also thank every member of the UPF, sister security agencies, JIC, all partners, and the community, for their support, loyalty, discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty, during the year, 2023. I further applaud those officers who have retired and appreciate the services they offered. To the families of those who lost their loved ones during the year 2023, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I wish you all an amazing Christmas and a prosperous New Year, 2024.

Jm Okoth-Ochola

Inspector General of Police

The festive event, is the largest policing activity in Kiira Region, since it’s expected to attract about 15,000 – 20,000 revelers, well-wishers and tourists, from the East African Community, other African Countries and other parts of the world. This year’s Nyege-Nyege festival is sponsored by MTN Uganda, Uganda Breweries Ltd, Vision Group, Radio City, Ethiopian Airways, Talent Africa, Coca Cola and Hedge and Boiler room.

Police Statement in Full

Although the event is taking place amidst an existing threat environment in the Country, we wish to inform the festive revelers and the Public, that there are no credible or specific threats directed at the event. The Joint task teams are prepared to counter all forms of threats and also have plans to tackle any other vulnerabilities or eventualities targeting the festival goers.

We have directed a significant amount of manpower and logistical resources to the area. Our task teams have profiled the 16-acre venue, the surrounding trading centers, villages and hotspots, to help identify risks and how to counter them. They comprise of personnel from General Duties, UPDF, Counter terrorism, Field Force unit, Traffic, Marine, Canine, Fire Brigade, Medical and Intelligence agencies from ISO and CI. Their heightened presence will continue throughout the entire event and even after.

We are also periodically reviewing the safety management plan of the organizers and sponsors. This includes their response plans, security, staffing levels, traffic controls, access controls, emergency evacuation plans and the deployment of specialized equipment. As we draw nearer to the festive event, we do call upon all participants to enjoy the Nyege-Nyege festival, in a safe, responsible and respectful manner, for each other and the local communities. We are also sharing the following tips to the festive goers, to help guard against criminals who may wish to take advantage of vulnerable people at the event.

Usually festive-goers lower their guard after taking alcohol and become susceptible to abuse or victimization. We are asking everyone to exercise caution and be wary of risks. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, where possible carry a power bank or chargers to power the battery. Ensure you have transport money or means to and from the venue. And have a plan on how to return home safely. Avoid lifts from strangers or non-taxis. Do not leave your mobile phone in the open. when you are finished using your phone, kindly put it away. Thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds. Ensure your ticket is bought directly from the event organizers or their agents.

While at the venue, make sure you are aware of the surroundings. And report any suspicious object or movement to the Police or organizers. Have a plan in place, in case you need to leave quickly. Identify the nearest exit that is safe. Drink responsibly. And avoid use of drugs like methamphetamines in drinks, so as to consume more drinks and stay conscious. It comes with risks. For the vast majority of people who want to have a good time, we are reminding them to keep an eye on what and how much you drink.

Do not leave your drink open and unattended. It’s better to carry your drink in your hands.

Do not pick drinks at random, you have no way of knowing what’s in them. There shall not be any tolerance for drunken and violent behaviors. All drunken but violent persons will be removed from the venue not to disrupt other revelers. Avoid confrontations, unnecessary arguments and fights. Walk away and continue to enjoy the festivities in another place. There’s no reason to engage in violence. Drugs will not be tolerated. 

Very strict search methods for drugs and other prohibited item are in place. Culprits will face the law. Revelers should also be aware of the increased risk drug or alcohol assisted rape or sexual violence. Remember anyone can be a victim. Sexual assault is an offence and not acceptable at the venue. Remember a victim of sexual assault is never at fault. Consent before sexual activity is paramount. If you do not have consent, you are committing a serious offence. Be on the look-out for potential sex violators who will stalk young adults and vulnerable women for sexual assault. We shall also be on the look-out.

Avoid entering camp sites or tents without your consent. You can easily be compromised with drugs or alcohol. Lone movements are not advised. Stick with your friend and keep an eye on each other. Victims of sexual assault should take courage and immediately report to the Police for investigations and proper medical assistance. Keep valuables like wallets and purses close or out of sight. Do not leave your tent unlocked or unsupervised. The open waters of R. Nile must not be entered for swimming without supervision. Otherwise, swimming is discouraged.

The medical teams from the police, UPDF and other teams will attend to any health concerns including injuries, falls, sexual assault, stabbings, alcoholic poisoning etc. Once again, we would like to wish all festival goers, well-wishers and tourists a happy and joyful festival. Together with the event security teams, we shall be on the look-out for any disruptive and predatory behaviors, for action. We remain dedicated to doing everything within our means to keep the venue safe and secure for everyone. Those who can make use of the UPF-MOBI APP, can call the nearest Police units or our National Operations Emergency Center at Police Headquarters, Naguru on 0800199699, 0707600773 and 0776999136

SCP Enanga Fred

Police Spokesman

13^th September 2022