By Karim Were
The Commander of the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, has called for stronger and more coordinated District Security Committees (DSCs) to effectively address emerging security challenges across the Rwenzori sub-region.
Speaking during a Regional Security Meeting held at the Mountain Division Headquarters in Fort Portal City on June 23, 2026, Maj Gen Mugerwa emphasized the need for local security structures to focus on community-based threats while the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) continue safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
He assured residents of the Rwenzori region that the UPDF remains committed and capable of protecting Uganda’s borders, citing ongoing operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of efforts to neutralize external threats before they affect the country.
The Division Commander noted that District Security Committees should prioritize addressing challenges such as livestock theft, murder cases, land disputes, conflicts between cultivators and pastoralists, environmental degradation, and other community security concerns. He expressed confidence that the committees possess the capacity and mandate to effectively manage such issues for the benefit of local communities.
Maj Gen Mugerwa further urged DSC members to strengthen coordination, enhance collaboration among security agencies, and ensure timely sharing of intelligence information to improve response mechanisms and achieve desired security outcomes.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Fort Portal City Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Businge, who reminded participants of President Yoweri Museveni’s call for “Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo” and zero tolerance for corruption. He also commended the UPDF for maintaining strong civil-military relations, describing it as a people-centered force that continues to work closely with communities.
Participants also reviewed the region’s preparedness against Ebola following outbreaks in neighbouring areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Resident District Commissioners were commended for leading Ebola response efforts and coordinating district security meetings to address local challenges.
Given the region’s proximity to the Ebola epicentre in eastern DRC, members were urged to continue implementing directives issued by the President and the Ministry of Health, including measures aimed at preventing cross-border transmission of the disease.
The regional security meeting brought together Resident District Commissioners, Regional Police Commanders, Uganda Prisons Service representatives, Battalion Commanders, officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Resident State Attorneys, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Immigration Department, Internal Security Organisation representatives, and other key stakeholders from across the Rwenzori region.
