By Fidel Boy Leon
In a strategic move to bolster national security during Uganda’s 2025 electoral cycle, Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba has unveiled a comprehensive zoning framework designed to enhance coordination, intelligence, and rapid response throughout the country.
The plan, which divides Uganda into nine electoral policing zones, reflects a proactive and calculated approach to maintaining peace during the primaries and general elections.
According to a press release issued by the Uganda Police Force Headquarters, the initiative is not merely administrative. It is a tactical shift toward pre-emptive coordination, timely intelligence gathering, and swift response to electoral threats.
“The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has created nine electoral policing zones to coordinate security efforts and ensure a peaceful electoral process during both the primaries and general elections,” the statement noted.
Byakagaba’s zoning model reflects both geographical logic and operational efficiency, with experienced commanders assigned to each zone based on capacity and jurisdictional familiarity.
The appointed commanders bring extensive experience and are expected to serve as anchors for electoral security in their regions:
- Busoga Zone (Jinja)
Commander: AIGP Kafeero Moses Kabugo
Covers: Busoga North, Busoga East, Kira, and Sezibwa
- Northern Zone (Gulu)
Commander: AIGP Tanui Stephen
Covers: Aswa, West Nile, North West Nile, and East
- Karamoja Zone (Moroto)
Commander: CP Lawot Patrick
Covers: Mt Moroto, Kidepo, Elgon, Sipi, Bukedi South, Bukedi North
- Kyoga Zone (Soroti)
Commander: CP Nkore Paul
Covers: North Kyoga, East Kyoga, South Kyoga
- Central Zone (Masaka)
Commander: CP Maate Godfrey Bolingo
Covers: Masaka West, Masaka East, Wamala, Katonga
- Albertine Zone (Hoima)
Commander: CP Muhuya Moses
Covers: Albertine South, Albertine North, Savannah
- Kampala Metropolitan Zone (Kampala)
Commander: CP Ecega Richard
Covers: KMP North, KMP South, KMP East
- South Western Zone (Mbarara)
Commander: CP Kulaigye Hillary
Covers: Rwizi, Kigezi, Greater Bushenyi
- Rwenzori Zone (Fort Portal)
Commander: CP Namuwoza Dennis
Covers: Rwenzori East, Rwenzori West
Each zone will function semi-autonomously, empowered to coordinate local intelligence, pre-empt violence, and monitor electoral conduct.
“These appointments are effective immediately and underscore our commitment to a secure and orderly electoral period,” said ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the Police spokesperson.
The zonal commanders are expected to play a critical liaison role, working with Electoral Commission officials, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and community leaders to ensure security, transparency, and calm throughout the electoral season.
The Uganda Police Force envisions this model as a strategic shift from reactive policing to proactive security management. By streamlining operations across regions and decentralising command, the brigade will be better positioned to anticipate threats and intervene early.
Intelligence-gathering and operational assets can be pre-positioned in high-risk areas, enabling rapid response and minimising escalation.
This approach is particularly critical in election seasons, where tensions can quickly flare into violence, intimidation, or voter suppression. With this model, the police aim to prevent such incidents before they occur, ensuring safer, more peaceful democratic processes.
“Our zonal commanders have been tasked with crucial responsibilities to ensure that all electoral activities proceed without incident, and that citizens can exercise their democratic rights in a safe environment,” Kituuma emphasised.
While the police have the mandate to protect life and property, they are also calling on other stakeholders such as candidates, political parties, the media, civil society, and voters to cooperate and ensure Uganda maintains peace throughout the elections.
“We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the appointed commanders for a successful electoral process,” the statement concluded.
IGP Byakagaba’s nine-zone security blueprint is a clear signal of readiness and resolve. By empowering senior officers with zone-wide responsibility, the Uganda Police Force is localising accountability and reinforcing its commitment to protecting democracy.
But as with all electoral processes, success will ultimately depend on collaboration, transparency, and trust, not just enforcement.
If implemented effectively, this strategy may well become a model for election policing across the region.