IGP Byakagaba announces express intervention to improve Nsambya Police Barracks

The inspection is part of wider efforts by the Uganda Police Force to address the welfare and housing needs of its personnel.

Improving the welfare, housing, and health facilities at Nsambya Police Barracks requires urgent modernisation to uplift officers' living conditions and boost morale, the  IGP observed. (Credit: Paul Kiwuuwa)

Byakagaba revealed this on Tuesday while inspecting the  Nsambya police barracks, including the Police Medical Health Centre, Uganda Police Band, Police Canine Unit and the Police Children Primary School.

He called upon officers and residents of the barracks to embrace discipline, cleanliness, responsibility and cooperation as the Force moves to transform police housing facilities into safer, more orderly and dignified communities.

Byakagaba was accompanied by  AIGP Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, who heads the Police Medical Unit, Acting Commissioner of Police  Stephen Okwi Okedi, the head of the Uganda Police Band; Dr. Martin Mugume, the Commandant of the Police Force Canine Unit; and the Police Under Secretary, Aggrey Wunyi, among others.

At the canine unit, handlers and their dogs showed their skills. They demonstrated skills like finding explosives, illegal drugs, hidden cash, and weapons using different trained dog breeds.

Byakagaba toured the canine unit, where he commended the team, led by CP Martin Mugume, for its outstanding work in training and breeding police dogs.

He applauded the Unit’s dedication and professionalism, noting the vital role these highly trained dogs continue to play in crime prevention, detection and the pursuit of justice.

He interacted with police officers and their spouses who reside in the barracks; he listened to their concerns and outlined measures aimed at improving their living conditions.

He said that the welfare of police officers remains central to effective policing, noting that officers who operate in a safe, decent and dignified environment are better positioned to serve and protect the public.

“I want discipline, professionalism, and ethics to form the core framework for a successful workplace and personal conduct, emphasising rapid responses to crime to apprehend culprits before crime scenes are contaminated,” said Byakagaba.

He requested the police officers to respond swiftly to crimes targeting government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM). He noted that the theft of livestock, including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and poultry, as well as crop theft, directly undermines the government's poverty alleviation efforts.

Byakagaba promised to improve the services at the Police Children primary schools, and the Nsambya Police medical facility, Police Band, and Police Canine unit.

“Security and welfare begin at home. The police would introduce immediate interventions during the current financial year to improve safety, order and dignity at the barracks,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges facing officers and their families and said improving their welfare was essential to effective policing.