Inspector General of Police (IGP)-designate Abbas Byakagaba faces significant challenges as he steps into his new role, including tackling violent crime, addressing corruption, and improving police welfare. President Museveni’s decision to return the leadership of the police to traditional officers after 23 years of military oversight marks a significant shift in the Force's approach to these longstanding issues.
Byakagaba's primary challenge will be addressing the persistently high crime rate. Despite numerous interventions by previous police leaders, violent crimes such as murder, rape, and terrorism remain prevalent, causing many residents to avoid being out after dark. The 2023 crime report indicated only a slight decrease in crime volume by 1.5 percent compared to 2022, from 231,653 cases to 228,074. President Museveni has prioritized these issues, especially through investments in the police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), which remains under the leadership of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Tom Magambo, praised for his reforms.
Funding is another critical issue. The police force currently receives an average of Shs900 billion annually, far short of the Shs1.5 trillion needed to effectively manage policing. This budget shortfall has crippled the Force's ability to respond to crime incidents and adequately support officers. Byakagaba will need to secure twice the current budget to address these financial constraints and ensure the Force can operate effectively.
The implementation of the President’s sub-county policing model is also on Byakagaba's agenda. This model aims to close gaps exploited by criminals at the lower levels, but it faces significant funding challenges. For the next financial year, the government has allocated only Shs5.6 billion for the model in nine sub-counties, whereas the police had budgeted Shs36.9 billion to cover 30 sub-counties.
Corruption within the police force remains a significant issue. The police have consistently ranked as the most corrupt institution in the country. Former Director of Operations Asuman Mugenyi emphasized the need for Byakagaba to assemble a team committed to fighting corruption, noting that this cannot be done alone. Internal challenges such as inadequate accommodation and utilities for police officers also impact their performance and discipline. With a personnel strength of 54,000, there is an accommodation gap of 33,000 units, forcing many officers and their families to live in makeshift structures.
Traffic accidents are another area of concern, causing substantial financial losses and fatalities. In 2023, over 4,800 people were killed in traffic accidents, a 15 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, homicide cases saw a five percent increase, with 4,366 people killed in 2023. Despite efforts to reduce road accidents, results have been lacking.
Byakagaba's ability to address these multifaceted challenges will be critical to the future effectiveness and integrity of the Uganda Police Force.
