In every Ugandan village, town, and trading centre today, a quiet yet powerful transformation is underway. Ordinary citizens are working together with police officers to ensure their communities’ safety. What began over thirty years ago as a small neighbourhood watch experiment has expanded into one of Africa’s most successful community-based policing systems, earning Uganda recognition for innovation in grassroots justice reform and citizen security.
📊 Key Statistics
- Community policing was first piloted in 1989 (Muyenga Model)
- Over 80,000 trained Crime Preventers nationwide
- 1,200+ Child and Family Protection Units across Uganda
- Double-digit decline in petty crime and domestic violence in active districts
- Community trust in police up 40% (JLOS citizen survey, 2024)
From Patrols to Partnerships
Launched as a pilot in 1989, community policing has grown from informal watch groups into a formal national programme —the Muyenga Model —that puts citizens at the centre of crime prevention. Across Uganda’s regions, police officers are now seen not just as law enforcers but as partners and protectors. The approach focuses on prevention rather than punishment, on dialogue rather than confrontation, and on trust rather than fear.
Reforms that Empower Communities
Under the Community Service Department’s coordination, led by CP Anatoli Muleterwa, the Uganda Police Force has invested heavily in community outreach, youth engagement, gender-based protection, and local safety committees. More than 80,000 trained Crime Preventers now serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ of their communities. Child and Family Protection Units (CFPUs) provide safe spaces for women and children, while neighbourhood watch groups utilise digital channels to report suspicious activity.
Northern Uganda: Restoring Trust After Conflict
In Gulu and Kitgum, areas once devastated by years of insecurity, community policing has become a key part of post-conflict recovery. Local councils and police units mediate disputes and oversee reintegration. ‘When we started working with the police, people were suspicious,’ says Andrew Komakech, a former crime preventer in Gulu. ‘But as we helped stop theft and domestic fights, attitudes changed. Now, we protect each other.’
Youth as Guardians
In Mbale and Tororo, young people are central to reform efforts. Thousands have received training in life skills and basic investigation through the JLOS-supported Crime Prevention and Community Empowerment Programme. ‘Before, many of us thought the police were our enemies,’ says Geofrey Ankunda, a boda-boda rider in Ibanda town, Western Uganda. ‘Now, we collaborate. We patrol markets, assist in reporting gender violence, and educate others about safety.’
Innovation in Action
In Bushenyi and Mbarara, mobile community policing units reach remote areas with awareness campaigns on domestic violence, human rights, and child protection. CP Muleterwa notes:
‘We reach places that rarely see a police post. When we engage communities, they come out to talk to us. We listen, we educate, and we build trust.’
These efforts have reduced mob justice and improved crime reporting.
The Muyenga Model at Work
In Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono, the acclaimed Muyenga Model continues to set the benchmark for policing in Uganda. Residents and police collaborate to analyse crime trends and protect neighbourhoods using CCTV, alarms, and digital reporting systems connected to police response units.
Partnerships that Make a Difference
Through JLOS, partners such as ADC, the European Union, and UNODC have supported the Uganda Police with funding, training, and modern data systems. ADC’s investment strengthened CFPUs, gender desks, and regional training for community policing officers. As one officer said:
‘Our partners didn’t just fund programmes—they built our capacity to think differently about justice and safety.’
Safer People, Safer Property
Household surveys show rising public confidence, declining burglary and assault rates, and improved cooperation between police and residents. Businesses face fewer thefts, making markets safer for traders.
Security by the People, for the People
Uganda’s community policing experience shows that public safety works best when the community is involved. By empowering citizens, building trust, and bringing justice services closer to communities, Uganda has proven that grassroots policing reforms lead to peace and security. As Sharon from Tororo states:
‘We no longer live in fear. We live with responsibility. Together, we are safer.’
📅 Reform Milestones
- 1989 – Community policing pilot launched
- 1995 – National policy on community policing adopted.
- 2005 – Child and Family Protection Units established.
- 2010 – Crime Preventers programme rolled out countrywide.
- 2020 – Digital neighbourhood safety networks launched.
- 2024 – Uganda recognised regionally for model community-based policing.
🤝 Development Partner Highlights
- Austria Development Cooperation (ADC): Funding for CFPUs, gender desks, and community engagement.
- European Union: Support for ICT tools and police-community dialogues.
- UNODC: Policy advisory and training for community policing officers.
- Justice, Law, and Order Sector (JLOS): Lead government coordination framework ensuring integration of reforms.
This article was researched, developed, and published with support from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Embassy in Uganda, in partnership with the Justice, Law, and Order Sub-programme (JLOS), Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
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