IBANDA/KAZO — Residents of Ibanda and Kazo districts have raised concern over inadequate police presence and limited access to security services, saying the gaps are contributing to insecurity and the continued occurrence of murder cases in the two districts.
The concerns were raised during a meeting with Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba at Ibanda District headquarters, where residents and local leaders called for increased police deployment, regular night patrols and the establishment of more police posts in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activity.
Posias Tumukunde, a resident of Rushaka II in Bisheshe, Ibanda Municipality, said residents rarely see security patrols at night and are living in fear because of killings, theft of livestock and agricultural produce. Frank Beyendeza, a local leader, said three people had been killed in his area within one week and complained that police response to reported cases was sometimes slow.
In Kazo, residents and local leaders also expressed concern about suspected criminals operating at night. Geofrey Turyasingura, a councillor representing Kijooha Ward in Buremba Town, said residents sometimes provide information about suspected criminals but feel that the response has not been adequate, allowing machete-wielding attackers to continue terrorising communities.
Ibanda District Chairperson Happy Herbert Mayanja said some communities remain far from police posts, with residents in certain areas travelling more than 35 kilometres to access police services. He also pointed to Bisheshe and Kagongo divisions, which he said are served by only one police post, and appealed to the police leadership to address the shortage.
Police records indicate that Ibanda and Kazo each registered 14 murder cases between July and September 2026, bringing the combined total to 28 cases during the three-month period. The figures have heightened concern among residents, who have also reported theft of livestock and agricultural produce in the affected communities.
The security concerns have triggered a response from the police leadership. IGP Byakagaba said additional manpower would be deployed, with each of Kazo’s 10 sub-counties expected to receive six additional personnel. Police also deployed Flying Squad teams from Kampala and Mbarara to support operations against violent criminals in Kazo.
The police leadership has urged residents to remain calm and work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and sharing information that could help prevent crime. The latest developments have renewed focus on the need for stronger police coverage, faster response to reported incidents and closer cooperation between security agencies, local leaders and communities in Ibanda and Kazo.
Tuesday, October 06, 2026
