news 4 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Flying Squad Deployed to Kazo Amidst Rising Killings
The Police Flying Squad Unit has been deployed to Kazo District following a concerning increase in violent crimes, including murders and theft, over the past three months. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-police-deploy-flying-squad-in-kazo-following-spate-of-killings-5619696
In response to a disturbing surge in violent incidents, the Uganda Police Force has dispatched its elite Flying Squad Unit to Kazo District. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba announced the deployment, which aims to bolster security and combat a recent spate of killings and rampant theft in the area.
The Rwizi Region, which includes Kazo and Ibanda districts, reported a total of 28 murder cases between July and September, with each district accounting for 14 incidents. These killings have instilled fear among residents, who have also reported widespread theft of livestock and agricultural produce.
“We are adding more manpower; we are adding more coordination. We have also brought in other elements like the flying squad from Kampala and also the flying squad from Mbarara,” stated IGP Byakagaba during a visit to the affected region. He further explained that six additional personnel will be deployed to each of the ten sub-counties within Kazo to enhance surveillance and patrols.
The IGP urged the public to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies are working diligently to restore order. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in tackling the escalating crime rates. Local leaders have expressed concerns about security laxity and the distance of some sub-counties from police posts, which hinders timely response to criminal activities.
The Rwizi region has previously been identified as having the highest number of reported murder cases in the country, according to the 2025 Annual Crime Report. The new deployments are intended to provide a more immediate and effective response to the security challenges faced by the communities in Kazo and surrounding areas.