Uganda Police Force has made changes in its command structure across the West Nile region, with Superintendent of Police (SP) James Mwesigye appointed as the new District Police Commander (DPC) for Nebbi.
Mwesigye replaces Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Filbert Waibi, who handed over office on Tuesday before taking up his new assignment as Deputy Regional Police Commander for the Sipi Region.
The changes are part of a six-officer reshuffle aimed at strengthening police command, improving discipline, and enhancing security operations across districts in West Nile.
Other changes in the region include the appointment of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Edward Muzora Arinaitwe, formerly Officer in Charge (OC) Station at Rubare in Ntungamo District, as the new OC Station for Pakwach. He replaces SP Stephens Mukosa, who has been transferred to Gulu East as DPC.
ASP Gerald Kahesi, who served as DPC Ayivu East in Arua City, has been transferred to Sironko as DPC and replaced by SP Samuel Kazibwe, formerly OC Station Sironko.
SP Arinaitwe, the former DPC Ayivu West, has been transferred to Mitoma as DPC and replaced by SP Marion Abo, who previously served as OC Station Buyende.
SP Jolly Rackala, formerly OC Station Terego District, has been promoted and transferred to Napak as DPC, while SP Joel Dongo from the Environment Police Protection Unit in Katonga Region takes over as OC Station Terego.
SP Paul Kadogo, who served as OC Station Koboko, has been transferred to Kwania as DPC and replaced by ASP Ronald Kyalo, formerly Community Liaison Officer in Kibale District.
Nebbi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Abak said he had been briefed about the changes and would meet the new DPC to discuss security priorities for the district.
“Former DPC SSP Filbert Waibi handed over office yesterday and has left for his new duty station. We expect the new one to work hand in hand with leaders and other stakeholders,” Abak said.
West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia described the transfers as routine changes intended to expose officers to wider responsibilities while strengthening policing across the region.
“We welcome the new officers to their various stations and the region. These transfers are normal, and we thank the outgoing officers for their good service, professionalism, and hard work,” Angucia said.
She commended the outgoing commanders for their role in maintaining security during the recent general elections and urged the incoming officers to uphold the same level of commitment in their new assignments.
The reshuffle comes at a time when West Nile is grappling with rising cases of mob justice, which authorities say remains one of the major security concerns in the region.
Angucia said the new commanders must strengthen community engagement and work closely with local leaders and other stakeholders to address the vice.
“Mob justice is on the rise. This could be due to public ignorance or negligence, leading people to take the law into their own hands,” she said.
Upon assuming office, SP James Mwesigye pledged to prioritise community policing as a key strategy to reduce crime in Nebbi District.
“Community policing is key. We have to always engage with the community and other stakeholders to reduce crime rates,” Mwesigye said.
He added that police would introduce night patrols and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies to improve safety in the district.
The new police commanders are expected to tackle security challenges in West Nile, including rising cases of mob justice and emerging public health concerns such as the threat of Ebola.
