Kampala, Uganda – The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has pledged to strengthen cultural ties with the Bugisu Cultural Institution by promising to construct four housing units for the Bamasaaba royal guards at the Mutoto cultural site.
This development was revealed to this publication by Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
The IGP also assured His Highness the Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, that the police are working closely with the cultural institution in areas of community policing and maintaining law and order in the Bugisu region.
“Cultural institutions are the custodians of morality, customs, and norms of their people. If morality breaks down, crime escalates. That is why we need to work closely with cultural institutions—by supporting them and involving them in many of our policing programs,” the IGP stated.
Community policing is a concept closely associated with Sir Robert Peel, dating back to the 1830s.
His Highness the Umukuka III welcomed the strengthened collaboration between the Uganda Police Force and the cultural institution. He commended the police for their ongoing support, noting that enforcement units in the Bugisu region have been instrumental in guiding the institution on many critical issues.
The Umukuka specifically praised:
- SSP Samuel Asiimwe, Regional Police Commander, Elgon
- ACP Dr. Barnabas Rubanza, Police Surgeon, Elgon
- SSP Monday Agaba, Regional CID
- And all District Police Commanders (DPCs) in the region.
He further urged the IGP to support clan chairpersons and his ministers by equipping them with skills in community policing.
The meeting between the IGP and the Umukuka took place on the sidelines of the Independence Day celebrations on October 9th, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where they met alongside other senior police officials.
