Residents of Kazo district are beginning to experience renewed hope following coordinated interventions by security agencies, political leaders and local authorities to address a worrying rise in murders, robberies and other criminal activities recorded between July and September 2026.

The district registered over 14 murder cases during the three-month period, raising public concern and leaving many families living in fear. However, intensified police operations, reinforced deployments and community security engagements have since strengthened efforts to restore public safety and bring those responsible to justice.

The security situation attracted the attention of several government officials and local leaders, who called for urgent action to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

Among the areas identified as major crime hotspots were Nkungu, Buremba, Kanoni and Engari sub-counties, alongside Kazo Sub-county and Kazo Town Council, where residents raised concerns over their safety.

Police Intensify Investigations into Murders

The Uganda Police Force has made additional arrests as investigations continue into a series of murders and robberies reported in Kazo district.

One of the reported incidents occurred on August 27, 2026, when Asimwe Rashida was allegedly strangled to death in Mpuga Cell, Buremba Sub-county. Her money and other belongings were reportedly stolen.

Police investigations reportedly identified Ayub Bogere and others as suspects in connection with the incident. Authorities have also arrested Frank Mugisha, 39, alias Muhima, and Asasira Apophia, 38, for questioning over allegations of facilitating criminal activity and receiving suspected stolen property.

The alleged involvement of the individuals remains subject to investigation, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.

Police have also reported that some suspects in other murder cases were arrested as investigations progressed, with inquiries continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify any accomplices.

During the three-month period, investigators observed that many of the victims had reportedly been struck on the head with blunt objects. However, the circumstances and suspected perpetrators differed from one incident to another.

Security agencies have assured the public that investigations remain ongoing and that anyone found responsible will be brought before the courts of law. Residents with information that could assist investigators have been urged to report to the nearest police station.

District Security Meeting Maps Out Interventions

In response to the rising number of homicide cases, district security stakeholders convened a security engagement meeting on September 30, 2026, at St. Catherine Secondary School Main Hall in Kazo Town Council.

The meeting brought together police officers, intelligence personnel, political and administrative leaders, local council representatives and other community security actors to assess the emerging crime trend and develop coordinated measures to prevent further loss of life.

Participants examined the circumstances surrounding the murders, the possible causes of the crimes, existing security arrangements and operational gaps that could have contributed to the situation.

Discussions also focused on crime hotspots, repeat offenders, domestic violence, community disputes and other emerging security threats.

The meeting emphasised the need for stronger intelligence-led policing, timely information-sharing and improved coordination between the Police, intelligence agencies, local leaders and community structures.

Stakeholders also agreed on the importance of establishing clear responsibilities and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that agreed interventions translate into practical improvements in community safety.

As part of the resolutions, Police committed to sustaining and intensifying community policing, particularly through Neighbourhood Watch programmes and other lawful community-based information-sharing initiatives.

Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly and work closely with security agencies to prevent crime before it occurs.

IGP Byakagaba Visits Kazo to Assess Security Situation

The security response gained further momentum on October 4, 2026, when the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, accompanied by the Director of Operations, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, visited Kazo District to assess the operational situation and engage police officers.

The visit followed concerns raised by political leaders and members of the public about murders, theft of animals and crops, and other criminal activities affecting communities in the district.

During engagements with regional, district and sub-county police commanders, the IGP called for a strengthened policing response and improved coordination among officers at all levels.

He emphasised proactive policing, teamwork, patriotism and closer collaboration between the Police and the communities they serve.

Byakagaba also urged police commanders to make effective use of available operational resources, including canine services, CCTV systems, communication equipment and police vehicles, to improve crime prevention, investigations and response times.

To strengthen implementation of the Sub-County Policing Model, the Police leadership reinforced affected districts with additional personnel and motorcycles.

The IGP challenged officers to fully embrace the model and translate it into practical action within their respective areas of responsibility.

He further urged officers to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve information-sharing with residents and rebuild public confidence through effective service delivery.

Local Leaders Welcome Security Reinforcement

Kazo Resident District Commissioner Captain Yahaya Kakooza has previously identified drug abuse, theft, domestic violence, family disputes and land conflicts among factors associated with some criminal incidents in the district.

Kakooza also raised concerns about limited police manpower, vehicles and fuel, which he said had affected patrol operations in some areas.

He urged residents to cooperate with the Police by sharing timely information and reporting suspicious activities.

“The fight against crime is not the responsibility of the police alone. The community has a very important role to play by providing information and working with security agencies,” Kakooza said.

The RDC welcomed the planned deployment of additional personnel, noting that improved staffing would strengthen security operations and help protect residents.

“We welcome this intervention because the security of our people is a shared responsibility. We need all security agencies and local leaders to work together to ensure that our communities remain safe,” he said.

Kazo District Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda also welcomed the reinforcement, particularly for communities located far from existing police posts.

He noted that increasing the number of security personnel could improve police visibility and response times in remote sub-counties and parishes.

Kimosho, Nawe Kamuka Sustain Pressure for Action

The security situation has also drawn sustained attention from political leaders, including Hon. Dan Atwijukire Kimosho and Hon. Molly Nawe Kamuka, who engaged stakeholders over the killings and the need for stronger security measures.

Following his submission on the Floor of Parliament, Kimosho continued engaging key stakeholders within the security apparatus to ensure that the concerns of Kazo residents received urgent attention.

He welcomed the decision by the IGP and his team to visit the district, assess the situation firsthand and hold discussions with district stakeholders and security personnel.

Kimosho called for thorough investigations, the arrest of those responsible and visible security measures in affected communities, particularly Nkungu, Buremba, Kanoni, Kazo Sub-county, Kazo Town Council and Ngari Sub-county.

On 20th October 2026, Hon. Dan Atwijukire Kimosho updated Parliament on the security situation in Kazo district, commending the Uganda Police Force, all security agencies, and fellow leaders for their interventions to restore peace and protect residents.

Kimosho noted that he was awaiting a comprehensive security report and expressed hope that the situation would remain calm. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to engage relevant authorities and follow up on the matter until the people of Kazo can live safely and without fear for their lives and property.

Minister of State for Internal Affairs Commends Police Response

The intervention followed calls for action by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Juma Witonze Kisekka, who directed the IGP to intervene in response to concerns over the security situation in Kazo.

After the Police leadership moved to assess the situation, Witonze commended Byakagaba and the Police leadership for responding to the concerns raised by residents and local leaders.

The minister reiterated that protecting the lives and property of Ugandans remains a central responsibility of the government and security agencies.

He stressed that individuals responsible for criminal activities must face justice and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding communities across the country.

The minister’s remarks underscored the importance of accountability, effective investigations and coordinated action among security institutions.

Community Cooperation Remains Critical

While the reinforced deployments and coordinated engagements have raised hope among residents, security leaders and local authorities continue to emphasise that sustainable peace requires the active participation of the community.

Residents have been urged to avoid taking the law into their own hands, resolve disputes through lawful channels and promptly report threats, suspicious movements and criminal activity to the authorities.

Community policing initiatives, Neighbourhood Watch programmes and stronger cooperation between local leaders and security agencies are expected to play an important role in identifying risks and preventing further incidents.

The recent interventions have demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the Police, intelligence agencies, political leaders, district authorities and ordinary citizens in responding to security challenges.

As investigations into the 14 reported murder cases and other crimes continue, residents will be looking to security agencies to sustain their operations, provide accountability and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

For Kazo district, the immediate priority remains protecting lives, restoring public confidence and ensuring that the calm residents are beginning to experience is sustained through effective policing, community cooperation and lasting solutions to the underlying causes of crime.

The writer is Tinyefuza Naboth, Communications Officer, Kazo district local government.