The newly appointed Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ezekiel Emitu has been tasked to deal with the rising crime in the area.
Emitu was recently appointed new KMP commander to replace Commissioner of Police Richard Ecega.
On Tuesday, Ecega handed over office to his successor during a function held at the Kampala Metropolitan Police region headquarters at CPS.
Speaking during the handover, police director for Operations, AIGP Frank Mwesigwa described Greater Kampala policing area as one of the most sensitive and demanding that requires vigilance.
“Policing Kampala Metropolitan Area is so demanding and very sensitive and therefore requires for vigilance, resilience and sound judgment. Kampala is not just a capital city but political, economic and diplomatic centre of our nation. Therefore, the security of this city has national and international implications. That’s why when you see there is crime, embassies of different countries issue travel advisories and it shows the centre of gravity of the country is here and once we handle security concerns very well, it means we are addressing both national and international arenas,”Mwesigwa said.
Kampala has in recent months experienced a mix of high‑profile thefts, mugging and gang‑related attacks, particularly in crowded transport hubs and commercial zones.
Police have acknowledged an uptick in robberies and violent snatching cases, attributing some of the rise to the release on bail, the offenders and challenges in policing densely populated urban areas.
Security agencies have responded with crackdowns across crime “black spots”, arresting scores of suspects in operations targeting gangs, habitual offenders and drug‑linked criminal activity.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Police operations director told the new KMP commander that crime prevention and intelligence coordination should be on top of his agenda as he starts work.
“We need to see this city well dominated in terms of deployments, both overt and covert to make sure we curtail any form of crime from disturbing our people but also strengthening inter agency collaboration,” the police operations director said.
He also urged Emitu to deal with public order management as well as engaging with communities.
“Strengthen partnership with community leaders, boda boda leaders because public trust is a strategic asset. We need to get the community closer to us. Once public trust is lost, it is difficult to regain. You must ensure commanders get close to people to gain their trust.”
Speaking upon assuming office, Emitu applauded the police leadership for entrusting him with such a responsibility that he said he is ready to handle.
“I want to appeal for team work. I am going to work with the team available to bring sanity to Kampala Metropolitan Area to continue building upon existing peace,” he said.
The outgoing commander, Richard Ecega applauded his superiors and juniors for according him help, urging that the same assistance should be accorded to his successor.
“Sacrifice is key. Sometimes you need to take away your comfort to serve the country through work. Let professionalism guide every decision you make in your line of duty.”
