Agago, Uganda– Residents of thirteen subcounties in Agago District are living in fear as crime surges due to the absence of police posts in their areas.
The affected subcounties—Ajali, Lukole, Adilang, Laperebong, Geregere, Arum, Agengo, Lamiyo, Kuywee, Parabongo, Lira Palwo, Wol, and Omiya Pacwa—remain vulnerable, with criminals taking advantage of the lack of law enforcement presence.
Residents are now appealing to the government to intervene urgently by establishing police posts to curb the growing insecurity.
They argue that the nearest police stations are too far, making it difficult to report crimes or seek help during emergencies.
For many residents, accessing police services is a daunting task. Judith Ayugu, a resident of Arum subcounty, says people have to trek long distances to seek help from Omot police post. Meanwhile, cases of home burglaries and shop break-ins are increasing at an alarming rate.
James Komakech from Kuywee subcounty describes how criminals exploit the absence of police, attacking homes and businesses at night.
He laments that when incidents occur, law enforcement from Kalongo or Agago Central Police Station (CPS) takes too long to respond, allowing criminals to escape justice.
The cost of transport to reach police stations is another burden. Joselyne Auma from Laperebong subcounty says residents spend over 30,000 shillings just to report a crime at Agago CPS—an amount many cannot afford.
For Akello Nighty, a resident of Geregere subcounty, the situation is even more frustrating. She questions why the government has not prioritized their security, especially given the violent land conflicts in the area that demand immediate police intervention.
Leonard Ojok, the Agago District LCV Chairperson, acknowledges that the lack of police presence has worsened insecurity.
He warns that criminals deliberately target these subcounties, knowing that police response will be slow. Ojok also highlights the urgent need for more police officers to reinforce existing stations.
However, he remains hopeful that the ongoing police recruitment could pave the way for the establishment of new police posts.
Agago District Police Commander, Omar Kokole, admits that police manpower is stretched thin, making it impossible to staff even the few existing police posts adequately.
He assures residents that the police leadership is aware of the issue and is actively working on a solution.
IP Joe Oloya, the Aswa East Regional Police Spokesperson, says that beyond manpower shortages, the biggest challenge is the lack of land for setting up police posts.
He reveals that communities have been reluctant to offer land for police infrastructure. Oloya urges local leaders and residents to provide land in writing, promising that once land is secured, police posts will be established immediately.
The residents’ cries for security intervention grow louder as crime rates continue to soar in Agago .
Without swift government action, criminals will continue to exploit the district’s policing gaps, putting thousands of lives and livelihoods at risk.
The ball is now in the government’s court—to respond decisively and restore law and order to the affected subcounties before the situation spirals further out of control.
