Why IGP Byakagaba visited Kasese

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Uganda’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, visited the Rwenzori East Regional Police headquarters in Kasese district, 11 days after an attack by unknown assailants on military installations.

The Saturday, November 1, attack on the Central Police Barracks in Kasese and a police post at Rugendabara-Kikongo town, as well as in other districts, including
Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, and Fort Portal, left 41 wrong elements put out of action and 91 arrested.

One soldier was also reported killed, while six injured police personnel continue to nurse injuries.

IGP Abbas Byakagaba interacting with police officers. (Courtesy)

Speaking to New Vision while at Virina Gardens in Kasese Municipality, Byakagaba acknowledged that the Uganda Police, together with other sister security agencies, intends to team up with the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) cultural institution to ensure total security in Kasese and the entire Rwenzori region, while also fostering economic development for the people.

IGP Abbas Byakagaba during the meeting in Kasese. (Courtesy)

"I am happy the OBR team has warmly welcomed me, but equally, we have linked up with the security team and the political leaders," Byakagaba said.

With the OBR slated to celebrate King Charles Wesley Iremangoma Mumbere’s 59th coronation, coupled with his birthday run on November 14, 2025, Byakagaba reaffirmed the Uganda Police’s total support in ensuring security for the success of the event.

"Everyone should remain calm and safe because we shall be there for them," he said.

He, however, used the same platform to appeal to the people living in the Rwenzori sub-region and the country at large to desist from being lured into wrong groups with evil intentions, which have at times caused security tensions in the Rwenzori and the nation at large.

"Above all, the OBR has helped us so much to ensure that we get back to normal, as you can see," Byakagaba said.

About the November 1 attack

Byakagaba revealed that the over 91 culprits arrested in the November 1, 2025, attack on military installations in Kasese and the entire Rwenzori region are being critically investigated, so that their files can be prepared and presented to the various courts of law for prosecution.

"And this is just a group of a few individuals who are being misguided," he said.

Last week, on November 7, SP Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson in Kasese District, disclosed that their force, through experts, is implementing a DNA testing protocol for the relatives of deceased attackers in several districts, including Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, and Fort Portal city, before handing over the bodies to them for a decent burial.

"The process of DNA tests is on, purposely to ensure accuracy in identifying the bodies and be given to the appropriate people. All this is happening at Muhoti Army Barracks in Fort Portal, where they are stored," Tumushime said.

OBR speaks out

Benson Kule Baritazale, the prime minister of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR), commended the IGP for such a crucial visit prior to the King's coronation, something he termed a huge boost towards the success of the forthcoming event.

Baritazale distanced the kingdom and condemned the recent attacks, disclosing that their cultural institution learned a lot from the past and has since embarked on five developmental pillars.

He outlined them as peace, unity in diversity, reconciliation, mindset change and socio-economic transformation, adding that they have rolled out the same message to all their subjects.

"Whoever diverts away from that is surely not part of us because our main focus is seeing the kingdom move forward," Baritazale said.

About the 59th Coronation

He used the same platform to reveal that during the forthcoming OBR 59th coronation and King Charles Wesley Mumbere's birthday run, they intend to launch a five-year strategic plan for the development of the kingdom.

"We intend to solicit money worth sh1.3 billion to implement the strategic plan, including the construction of a one-stop cultural village, starting a radio station, among other projects," Kule said.

"We have so far managed to sell 1,850 running kits with more expected to be sold, and President Museveni will be the chief guest that day," he added.