The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, has dismissed Richard Ecega from his position as Kampala Metropolitan Area Police Commander.

Ecega has been replaced by Ezekiel Emitu, who has been serving as commandant of the Police Training School Kabalye.

Also dismissed are Ecega’s deputy, Gerald Twishimye, the head of crime intelligence for Kampala Metropolitan, Ben Kasozi, and the Old Kampala Division Police Commander, Francis Liiga.

The changes come amid rising crime in the Greater Kampala area.

Previously, residents mainly reported night-time robberies and muggings. However, recent cases of murder and aggravated robbery in different parts of the city have increased public concern about safety.

In recent months, residents in Kampala and neighbouring municipalities have reported more violent incidents, including attacks by panga-wielding gangs and robberies. Some of the cases have been recorded along the Northern Bypass and in areas such as Makindye, Kyanja, Nansana and Kira Municipality.