Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has appointed nine senior police officers to head security zones across Uganda. The move aims to ensure calm ahead of the contentious National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries and the 2026 general elections.

The decision follows a wave of violence that disrupted early stages of the NRM primaries. In Lwemiyaga-Sembabule, suspected military personnel shot and killed one person during MP Theodore Ssekikubo’s campaign launch. Authorities also recorded similar incidents in Kasambya (Mubende) and Isingiro districts.

In response, IGP Byakagaba toured these hotspots and commissioned regional commanders to coordinate election security and manage rapid response units.

Newly Appointed Regional Commanders

• Moses Kafeero — Busoga Zone (Jinja): Oversees Busoga North, Busoga East, Kiira, and Sezibwa regions.
• Stephen Tanui — Northern Zone (Gulu): Manages Aswa West, Aswa East, West Nile, and North West Nile.
• Patrick Lawoti — Karamoja Zone (Moroto): Covers Mt. Moroto, Kidepo, Elgon, Sipi, Bukedi South, and Bukedi North in Soroti.
• Paul Nkole — Kyoga Zone: Oversees North, East, and South Kyoga regions.
• Godfrey Maate Bolingo — Central Zone (Masaka City): Supervises Masaka East, Wamala, and Katonga.
• Moses Muluya — Albertine Zone (Hoima): In charge of Albertine South, Albertine North, and Savannah.
• Richard Ecega — Kampala Metropolitan Zone: Covers East, North, and South areas.
• Hillary Kulaigye — South Western Zone: Oversees Rwizi, Kigezi, and Greater Bushenyi.
• Denis Namuhoza — Rwenzori Zone (Fort Portal): Covers Rwenzori East and West.

A Move Toward Stability

This new security structure is part of a broader early-preparedness plan by the Uganda Police Force. Byakagaba emphasized the need for strong coordination and public engagement. Regional commanders are tasked not just with enforcing law and order but also with working closely with community leaders to promote peaceful elections.

As Uganda braces for a heated political season, the police expect these appointments to help reduce electoral violence and foster public trust in the security process.