IGP Appoints Former Masaka Commander to Head Elections Command Center

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has appointed Enock Abaine, the former Masaka Regional Police Commander (RPC) in the 2021 elections, as the overall commander of the Election Planning and Monitoring Centre (EPMC). 

CP Abaine—who was elevated from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Commissioner of Police (CP) two years ago—will oversee election planning and monitoring through field forces deployed in nine zones.

Abaine is remembered for commanding police operations in the 2021 presidential campaigns in Greater Masaka, where he was accused of unleashing violence against journalists covering National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine. He was particularly linked to the rubber bullet shooting that left journalist Ashraf Kasirye with permanent head injuries. 

Kasirye later relocated to the United States of America. Several other NUP supporters were also injured during the violence under Abaine’s command. The IGP has also appointed ACP Moses Mwanga Kitiyo as Abaine’s deputy. The duo has been tasked with ensuring that candidates’ rallies are monitored and conducted in line with Electoral Commission guidelines.

Under the new structure, Abaine has named commanders for different zones. Superintendent of Police (SP) Paul Wathum will serve as field forces commander for Busoga Zone, covering Busoga North, Busoga East, Kiira, and Ssezibwa. Joseph Sebuwufu has been appointed to plan and monitor elections in Kampala Metropolitan Zone, which includes KMP East, KMP North, and KMP South. 

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Geoffrey Ssebuyungo will lead Northern Zone operations covering Aswa West, Aswa East, West Nile, and West West Nile, and will be deputized by Emma Okitia. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Ndekezi will command Karamoja Zone, which includes Mt Moroto, Kidepo, Elgon, Sipi, Bukedi South, and Bukedi North, while ASP Solomon Alele will oversee North Kyoga, East Kyoga, and South Kyoga.