The North Kyoga Police Region warmly welcomed its new DPC, SP Abel Ruganza, as he assumed his duties at Lira City CPS on Monday. The handover of office from the outgoing DPC, SP Bakaleke Joseph, to SP Abel Ruganza, who was transferred from Kabale district, occurred smoothly at Lira Central Police Station (CPS). The event was witnessed by several police officers in the North Kyoga Police Region, including the Police PRO for North Kyoga Region, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Community Liaison Officer, CID detectives (CLO), and the media.
SP Bakaleke Joseph reported a reduction in crime during his tenure, attributing it to community engagement, capacity building, and increased pressure on a new criminal group called “Owuwuk.” He also noted a decrease in the number of street children.
In his statement, SP Abel Ruganza, the incoming DPC, expressed his intention not to bring significant changes but rather to maintain security in Lira City. He emphasized collaboration with the management of Lira City and the community.
The recent transfer has sparked excitement among the people of Lira City, with expectations that the new DPC, Abel, will address the challenge of combating the emerging criminal gang, “Owuwuk.”
A 40-year-old woman from Lira Main Market, named Betty, urged the new DPC to shake up the CIDs who have remained in one place for an extended period in Lira City. She hopes for improved police methods, the fight against corruption, and the alleged non-free provision of police bonds at some police outposts in Lira City.
A woman from Central Park raised concerns about the supervision of police bonds, emphasizing the need for transparency in their issuance. Another resident, a mother of five, called for the IGP’s intervention in supervising firearm use, particularly among individuals allegedly misusing firearms in Lira City.
An anonymous Boda Boda rider suggested that SP Abel, the incoming DPC, should familiarize himself with the political atmosphere of Lira City to prevent arbitrary political arrests based on the instructions of influential politicians within the city.