Police in Ibanda District have arrested a prime suspect in connection with a murder that occurred on June 25, 2026, as residents in Ibanda and neighbouring Kazo District continue to raise concerns over rising insecurity and inadequate police presence.
The arrest has also led to the recovery of the deceased’s mobile phone, which police say is expected to provide valuable leads as investigations into the murder continue.
The development comes amid growing complaints from residents who say inadequate security deployment, limited access to police services and slow response to reported cases have left communities vulnerable to murder, theft and other crimes.
Mr Posias Tumukunde, a resident of Rushaka II, Bisheshe in Ibanda Municipality, said the absence of night patrols has heightened fear among residents.
“We no longer see security patrols at night; there is a complete absence of security presence in the area. People are being killed, and livestock and agricultural produce are being stolen. We are living in constant fear,” Mr Tumukunde said.
He was speaking during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Abbas Byakagaba, at Ibanda District headquarters over the weekend.
Mr Frank Beyendeza, the LC chairperson of the area, said residents face serious challenges accessing police services, resulting in delayed responses to security incidents.
“We face significant security challenges here. We have lost three people in just one week, and even when we report to the police, the response is very slow. We appeal for increased security deployment on the ground,” he said.
In neighbouring Kazo District, Mr Geofrey Turyasingura, a councillor representing Kijooha Ward in Buremba Town, said residents have also been frustrated by what they describe as inadequate action on information provided about suspected criminals.
“Even when we tip off security about suspects, we are let down. There is no cooperation to investigate these individuals, and machete-wielding thugs continue to torment residents without any intervention,” he said.
Ibanda District Chairperson Mr Happy Herbert Mayanja said the insecurity is partly linked to the difficulty residents face in accessing security services.
“We still have sub-counties that are located far from police posts and locals have to move over 35 kilometres to get police services. Some divisions like Bisheshe and Kagongo are served by one police post. We are asking the Inspector General of Police to look into this matter,” Mr Mayanja said.
He also urged communities to cooperate with local leaders and security agencies by identifying and reporting suspected criminals.
“When we have this information, we can easily contact security forces even if they are not within our reach,” he said.
Meanwhile, police have intensified community engagement as part of efforts to address the security concerns and keep residents informed about ongoing measures.
In Kazo District, the Rwizi Regional Police Commander (RPC), the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), the Kazo District Police Commander (DPC) and the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) are engaging the public through Kazo FM on the prevailing security situation in the district and surrounding areas.
The engagement is intended to strengthen cooperation between police, local leaders and communities while encouraging residents to share information that could assist security agencies in preventing and responding to crime.
Police said immediate measures directed at addressing the security situation are being implemented, with police and other relevant stakeholders continuing to monitor developments and take appropriate action.
The residents’ concerns have also prompted security forces to strengthen their presence in the affected areas as they develop strategies to contain insecurity.
The murder investigation in Ibanda remains ongoing, with police expected to use information recovered from the deceased’s mobile phone to establish further leads in the case.
