Nebbi District Faces Policing Gaps as Three Divisions, Two Sub-Counties Lack Police Stations

Nebbi District in Uganda faces significant security gaps as three municipal divisions and two sub-counties remain without police stations. This absence directly contradicts the Uganda Police Force's Sub-County Policing Model, designed to bring law enforcement closer to citizens.

Residents in affected areas like Central, Abindu, and Thatha divisions, along with Acana and Alala sub-counties, must travel to distant police facilities to report incidents. Local leaders report that this distance delays responses to various security concerns, including petty crimes, domestic disputes, and land conflicts.

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When you look at crime rates, the crimes have gone very low compared to previous months before I came in.

Despite these gaps, Nebbi District Police Commander SSP James Mwesigye stated that crime rates have significantly decreased in the past two months. He attributes this improvement partly to the police stations already established, which facilitate "disruptive operations" and community engagement. Mwesigye also noted a substantial reduction in mob justice incidents, a problem that previously plagued the region.

The government's Sub-County Policing Model mandates police presence at the sub-county and municipal division levels. While new stations have opened in areas like Akworo and Atego, the five specific administrative units in Nebbi continue to lack these essential facilities. The distinction is crucial, as a division-level station is required even if a central police station exists nearby, serving a different administrative function.

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With police stations closer to the people, we've been able to do disruptive operations, community policing by engaging the community and this has worked well.