Deployment to Sub counties Strains Police Officers Amidst Lack of Infrastructure

A recent nationwide police deployment to sub-counties has left thousands of officers stranded and struggling to adjust to the new arrangement, with many finding no facilities or structures to support their operations, Uganda Radio Network has learned.

Sources reveal that more than 10,000 police officers were transferred in January 2025 to various sub-counties across Uganda. However, upon arrival, they discovered that most of these sub-counties, while listed on paper, lack the infrastructure needed for police work. Many officers are now forced to rent houses or, in some cases, return home after realizing they cannot function without the proper facilities. 

Some have been left idling at District Central Police Stations (CPS), searching for ways to survive. The deployment, which was first proposed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2019, was initially rejected by then Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola, due to concerns about the police force’s preparedness. 

However, the directive was renewed by Museveni in June 2024 during Heroes Day celebrations in Gomba District, emphasizing that all deployed officers should have motorcycles to combat crime in their respective regions. This year, under current IGP Abaas Byakagaba, both Khaki, Field Force, and Counter Terrorism police units were dispatched to the sub-counties. While the deployment was framed as a measure to enhance peace and security, some sources suggest it was a political strategy ahead of the 2025/2026 general elections. 

The deployment has led to widespread frustration and demotivation among police officers, many of whom are left without work and resort to playing cards to pass the time. The situation has also affected Kampala, where the City Square is now nearly devoid of police officers. 

A source explained, "That's why you see the City Square no longer has the Field Force Unit officers who were usually seen there idly. If you've noticed, Kampala feels empty of police officers because they’ve all been taken upcountry for the nationwide sub-county deployments." This large-scale deployment has raised concerns about the police force's capacity to effectively perform its duties, especially in rural areas where infrastructure and resources are severely limited. 

Uganda is made up of 146 districts, with 2,197 sub-counties, which further highlights the challenges of providing sufficient resources and support. Despite repeated attempts, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, was unavailable for comment. Messages sent to him were unanswered, and efforts to contact Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi and Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya were also unsuccessful. 

In 2019, President Museveni instructed the police to establish a Sub-County Policing Model, which involves setting up dedicated police stations for each subcounty. The model mandates that each station be staffed with 18-20 officers and equipped with four motorcycles, two of which are reserved for emergency response. Inspector General of Police Byakagaba recently shared details about the personnel composition for each subcounty station. 

This includes an officer in charge, 12 general duty personnel for patrols, one officer from CID, another from crime intelligence, a child and family protection unit officer, and a community liaison officer to engage with the local population. According to Byakagaba, the Subcounty Policing Model is already in place in several police regions, including North West Nile, Rwizi, Kira, Rwenzori East, Sipi, Greater Masaka, Greater Bushenyi, and Albertine.