Agency
Security agencies in Kitgum District have intensified joint operations ahead of a high-stakes football match scheduled for Saturday, March 21, between Acholi Province and Busoga.
The match, part of the FUFA Drum tournament, will be played at Bomah Grounds and is expected to attract hundreds of fans, including dignitaries from the Acholi and Busoga sub-regions.
The deployment follows a request by the Acholi Province football leadership, led by chairperson Moses Lubangakene, seeking police support in crowd management, VIP protection, traffic control and overall security planning.
Authorities have urged fans to turn up in large numbers, emphasising that the district remains calm and that comprehensive measures have been put in place to safeguard both players and spectators.
Speaking at a joint press briefing on Friday, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Walter Komakech Oyoo said the District Security Committee had rolled out a coordinated deployment involving both police and the military to ensure a peaceful match.
Komakech dismissed claims circulating on social media that security arrangements were tied to financial contributions from organisers, describing the reports as regrettable and misleading.
“At no time did the District Security Committee demand money to secure this event. Providing security is our constitutional mandate,” Oyoo said.
He cautioned that large gatherings can attract criminal elements, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance. “Not everyone who attends will be a genuine supporter. We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure that those who come to enjoy the game do so safely,” he added.
Oyoo noted that security operations will span three days to cover the arrival, stay and departure of supporters.
“We want to assure all football lovers that they will arrive safely, stay safely and return safely after the match,” he said.
District Police Commander SP Peter Oyesige said preparations began two weeks ago after authorities were notified that Kitgum would host the quarterfinal fixture.
He added that joint patrols by the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have already been deployed across the town, including both foot and motorised operations, with increased night patrols to maintain order.
“People have already started arriving in town, including supporters and business operators, and we began deployments early to maintain stability,” Oyesige said.
According to Oyesige, police coordinated with regional commanders following a formal request from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations for support in crowd control, traffic management and overall event security.
Public order management units have been assigned to manage crowds, while traffic police are regulating vehicle movement around the venue and along key access routes.
Security teams have also worked closely with organisers to map out emergency exits, designate security routes and position stewards strategically within the stadium.
