In a significant move to align Uganda’s police leadership with operational responsibilities, President Yoweri Museveni has promoted five Senior Commissioners of Police (SCP) to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP). This elevation of officers is aimed at ensuring that senior leaders in the Uganda Police Force hold ranks commensurate with the positions they occupy.
The promoted officers are: James Apora, Director of Logistics and Engineering; Lawrence Niwabiine, Director of Traffic Police; Joseph Obwona, Director of Interpol; Steven Tanui, Director of Fire and Rescue Services; and Geoffrey Musana, who has been appointed as the new Deputy Director for Logistics and Engineering.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, these promotions were necessary to align the officers with their current roles. Prior to the promotions, several of the officers, including Apora, Niwabiine, Obwona, and Tanui, were serving in acting capacities. As directors, it is a requirement that they hold the rank of AIGP, which is the third-highest position within the Uganda Police Force.
The decision to promote these senior officers reflects an ongoing effort to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of Uganda’s police service. With the increased responsibility of managing large departments and critical operations, the elevation of these officers is seen as a step towards improving the overall functioning of the force.
Additionally, the appointment of Geoffrey Musana as Deputy Director for Logistics and Engineering highlights the growing focus on strengthening the technical and logistical backbone of the police. These changes come at a time when the government is keen on modernizing the police service and improving its capacity to address security challenges across the country.
In sum, these promotions are a positive development for the Uganda Police Force, ensuring that leadership ranks align with the scope of responsibilities, and offering a clear signal of the government’s commitment to enhancing police operations.