The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has asked the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, and his deputy, James Ochaya, to use their expertise to curb insecurity in the country.

The remarks were made during the party weekly press conference that took place at the party headquarters at Uganda House in Kampala on May 22, 2024.

The party spokesperson, Sharon Arach Ayat, said that the security situation in the country is paramount, stating that of late, there have been rampant criminal gangs robbing people in a gruesome manner. She, therefore, urged the newly appointed officers to help curb this.

“The two officers have a great wealth of knowledge and experience, which they have both gained as career police officers. UPC is hopeful that they will serve Uganda expectantly and the country’s security situations will be contained,” she noted.

Ayat added that the police force should be well-facilitated and equipped to work hand in hand with the community to detect crime and apprehend suspects.

“We need more investment in cyber crime as the country enters the total digital age and to upgrade police skills in counter-terrorism as there are emerging cases of terrorism in the country and in East Africa at large,” Ayat added.

President Museveni appointed Abbas Byakagaba as the new Inspector General of Police on May 17, 2024. Abbas, who was the former Assistant Inspector General of Police, is a long-serving police officer who has served in various positions in the force, such as Director of Operations, and Director of Counter Terrorism, among others.