Residents of Zzinga Island Demand Better Policing

Bussi, Wakiso District – Residents of Zzinga Island, located in Bussi Sub-County, Wakiso District, have raised serious concerns over the lack of adequate police presence and transport, as well as the absence of female officers to handle cases involving women.

 
During a meeting with district leaders, including Wakiso District Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Matiya Lwanga Bwanika (who is also vying for the Busiro South MP seat), the community highlighted the challenges they face due to poor policing services on the island.  
Residents raise concerns about the lack of police transport on the island, hindering quick response to crimes.
Lack of female officers hinders proper handling of women-related crimes, discouraging reporting.

Police response to emergencies is delayed due to transport challenges, with some officers resorting to walking long distances.
Weak policing emboldens criminals, especially impacting women who face challenges reporting crimes.

Matiya Lwanga Bwanika acknowledged the issue and promised to escalate it to the District Security Committee and Uganda Human Rights Commission.
He criticized government officials for turning service delivery into a political game, leading to poor policing and security gaps in remote areas like Zzinga.

 
Police officers stationed on the island have spoken out about the challenges they face. They highlighted the lack of personnel and transport, which makes it difficult to arrest suspects and take them to court. Additionally, the absence of female officers hinders women from reporting sensitive cases.  

Residents and leaders demanded immediate action, including the deployment of female officers to handle gender-sensitive cases, the provision of motorcycles or boats for police mobility, increased police staffing to improve response times, and better coordination between district security teams and island communities.  

Uganda’s island and remote communities face a policing crisis due to lack of transport, gender imbalance, and poor funding.
 Wakiso District Security Committee to address security issues, police leadership to review staffing and logistics, and MP aspirants urged to prioritise security.
Security is a right, not a privilege. If police can’t reach crime scenes, criminals will rule. – Zzinga Island Resident