The Community policing programme is registering significant success in Kabarole district due to overwhelming community support.
Community policing is a collaborative effort between police officers and members of the community, with an aim of establishing an effective and efficient system to prevent crime and promote better relations between police and the public.
The programme has had a significant impact in some communities where there were high crime rates.
In April, a survey carried out by the Association of Human Rights Organizations (AHURIO) indicated that crime had reduced by 50% in areas where community policing had been implemented.
Some of the areas where the programme has been a success are Kichwamba, Bukuku, Kisomoro, Buheesi, Karambi, Rwimi, Kasenda, Karangura and Rutete.
In Kichwamba Sub County, police officers hold meetings with the residents and local leaders twice a week.
David Basaliza, a resident of Karango village says that since the programme started, he has gained knowledge about the operations of the police. He says that criminal cases in the area have reduced because members of the community are vigilant.
Deborah Musinguzi, a resident of Bukuku village says that the constant interaction with the police has enabled her to understand how the police work.
Despite its success, community policing meets some challenges.
According to the community liaison officer Kabarole, Yusuf Nzabaka, at times, the police fail to travel to distant places because they lack logistics like transport.
Nzabaka says that some LC1 chairpersons do not want to attend meetings while some members of the community still fear to approach the police officers for services.
//Cue in: “internally with in the police
Cue out: “…don’t have the required logistics.”//
Adolf Kasaija, the coordinator of AHURIO says that they plan to fund the activities of the programme so that all sub counties in the district benefit.
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