The Uganda Police Force has acquired nine new speed boats to strengthen marine security, improve emergency response and enhance policing on the country’s lakes and rivers.
The boats were commissioned on Thursday by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, at the Police Marine Base in Kigo on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Byakagaba said the investment demonstrates the police force’s commitment to strengthening security on Uganda’s waterways, which play a critical role in the country’s socio-economic development.
“Uganda’s water bodies remain critical to the socio-economic transformation of our people. They support key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, trade, transportation, energy, tourism, industry and manufacturing. However, our lakes and rivers remain vulnerable to maritime crime and accidents. We must therefore do everything necessary to ensure that all lawful activities on our waterways are safeguarded,” he said.
The IGP said the acquisition forms part of broader efforts to improve maritime security and emergency response while equipping officers with the resources required to perform their duties effectively.
“It is imperative that we continue investing in our personnel through training and equipping them with the tools they need to perform their duties effectively. As the leadership of the Uganda Police Force, we fully recognise this responsibility and remain committed to making these investments. It cannot be business as usual,” Byakagaba said.
He also directed officers to strictly enforce safety regulations on both water and road transport, warning against overloading, which has contributed to numerous fatal accidents.
“Preventing avoidable tragedies begins with enforcing safety regulations and ensuring that every Ugandan values and protects human life,” he said.
The police chief further cautioned officers against misusing the newly acquired boats and stressed the importance of proper maintenance.
“The taxpayer expects results and accountability through provision of the required services. We must be kind to these assets and use them in the way they should be used,” Byakagaba warned.
Police Operations Director AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, under whose directorate the Marine Police Unit operates, said although nine speed boats had been procured, only four had so far been delivered, with the remaining five expected to arrive in August.
He said the first batch will be deployed to strategic locations, including Butyaba to support oil and gas operations, as well as Ntoroko District, Lolwe Island and Namayingo District.
“Our lakes and rivers are vital to the national economy and the livelihoods of many communities. They support trade, fishing, tourism, transportation and regional connectivity. Protecting these waters is therefore essential to our security, prosperity and sustainable development,” Mwesigwa said.
He described the new vessels as a significant investment in Uganda’s marine policing capacity.
“The boats we are launching today represent modern equipment and a significant investment in our marine policing capabilities. They symbolise our commitment to protecting lives, preventing illegal activities, responding swiftly to emergencies and ensuring that our waterways remain safe for everyone who depends on them,” he added.
The Commandant of the Marine Police Unit, Commissioner Suleiman Kirungi, said the new vessels will significantly improve the unit’s operational capability by enhancing mobility and reducing response times during emergencies.
“Mobility is critical to effective marine policing, and success on the water depends on having sound, reliable vessels. Unlike on land, where officers can easily use motorcycles or public transport to respond to incidents, marine operations require specialised boats that are dependable and fit for purpose,” Kirungi said.
He said the boats will strengthen the force’s ability to respond to boat accidents, drowning incidents and other rescue operations.
“These boats are a major boost to our capacity to respond to maritime emergencies. Their addition will significantly improve our service delivery and response time on Uganda’s water bodies,” he said.
Kirungi explained that the vessels were specifically designed for both security and rescue missions. They have enough space to accommodate rescued persons and are equipped with shock-absorbing suspension systems that improve stability and safety while operating in rough waters.
He added that the boats are also fitted with gun mounts and reinforced structures capable of withstanding vibrations during security operations, making them suitable for deployment in high-risk areas such as Lake Albert.
“The vessels are well-suited for deployment on Lake Albert, where security challenges require robust and reliable marine assets,” Kirungi said.
The acquisition comes as the Uganda Police Force continues to strengthen maritime policing amid increasing commercial activity, passenger transport and recurring boat accidents on the country’s lakes and rivers. Authorities say the investment is expected to improve law enforcement, rescue operations and public safety across Uganda’s major water bodies.
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