IGP Byakagaba appoints 9 regional commanders to oversee NRM primaries

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has appointed nine senior police officers to oversee security zones across Uganda ahead of the contentious National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries and the 2026 general elections.

The appointments come in response to a surge of violence that marred the early stages of the NRM primaries, particularly in Lwemiyaga-Sembabule where one person was shot dead by suspected military personnel during the campaign launch of incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo.

Similar incidents were recorded in Kasambya (Mubende) and Isingiro districts, prompting Byakagaba to tour the flashpoints to assess the situation firsthand. According to the police, the newly designated commanders will be responsible for coordinating election-related security operations and ensuring swift responses to any electoral violence or disruptions across their respective zones.

The appointments are as follows:

Moses Kafeero will command the Busoga Zone, headquartered in Jinja, covering the Busoga North, Busoga East, Kiira, and Sezibwa policing regions.
Stephen Tanui will lead the Northern Zone from Gulu, overseeing Aswa West, Aswa East, West Nile, and North West Nile.
Patrick Lawoti takes charge of the Karamoja Zone, based in Moroto, encompassing Mt. Moroto, Kidepo, Elgon, Sipi, Bukedi South, and Bukedi North in Soroti.
Paul Nkole will command the Kyoga Zone, which includes North, East, and South Kyoga regions.
Godfrey Maate Bolingo will oversee the Central Zone from Masaka City, covering Masaka East, Wamala, and Katonga regions.
Moses Muluya will lead the Albertine Zone from Hoima, covering Albertine South, Albertine North, and Savannah.
Richard Ecega has been appointed to command the Kampala Metropolitan Zone, covering East, North, and South policing areas.
Hillary Kulaigye will be in charge of the South Western Zone, spanning Rwizi, Kigezi, and Greater Bushenyi.
Denis Namuhoza will oversee the Rwenzori Zone, headquartered in Fort Portal, covering Rwenzori East and West.

The creation of these security zones comes as part of the police’s early preparedness plan, with heightened vigilance expected in regions previously marked by political tension and violence.

The regional commanders are expected to not only supervise electoral policing but also engage local leaders and communities in maintaining calm during the electoral season.