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The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi has called on the government to prioritize equipment support and manpower for the West Nile region to manage cross-border crimeregional at Arua hospital headquarters on Wednesday 24th May 2023.

Speaking during his visit to Arua regional police headquarters on Wednesday, May 24, Katsigazi rallied security agencies and members of the public to join the fight against insecurity in the region.

Gen. Katsigazi inspected the parade, office spaces, accommodations, and housing units for the officers, the motor-vehicle maintenance facility, and Police Health Centre III in Arua Central Division.

He said the security situation and performance of the Police is a reason for his visit to West Nile. According to the DIGP, the security situation in the region is not as problematic as it is in other regions.

“In Arua, we used to have youth who engaged in crime, but this has been scaled down as compared to incidents where security forces are killing members of the public,” he said.

“We shall discuss the security situation and devise ways of managing the matter arising,” Katsigazi said.

Katsigazi said he is pleased that the Police and other agencies have managed to contain situations of insecurity, considering the proximity to two countries – South Sudan and DR Congo – and the influx of refugees.

On the issues of accommodation, he said the need to construct better facilities is important because the officers do not have adequate accommodation.

“We shall discuss the security situation and devise ways of managing the matter arising,” he said.

On the issue of lack of manpower and transport, Katsigazi said the new units created will be well supplied with manpower, accommodation and equip the force and ensure they have the necessary transport and tools to do their work.

“We shall look into our budget which is limited and ensure some of the demands are addressed,” Katsigazi said.

On the issue of illegal guns crossing to West Nile through porous border points, Katsigazi said part of the meeting will address the issue of illegal guns.

He met the Police and other security agencies at Hotel Desert Breeze to forge a way forward regarding insecurity caused by guns.

“I do not have the answers, but we shall find solutions to illegal guns,” he said.

“There are threats of terrorism which we need to contain, and it is part of our mandate as security to handle. Whatever is required which is not in the region, I will make inquiries to the higher authorities to respond,” he added.