Former Kampala District Police Commander (DPC), Joseph Bakaleke, has been reassigned to Masaka City in a strategic move ahead of the anticipated 2026 political activities in a region predominantly controlled by the opposition.
Commencing his new role in Masaka from Kabale, where he had been stationed since December 2023, Bakaleke takes over from SP Okello Francis, who has switched positions and moved to Kabale in the process.
Bakaleke’s wealth of experience and proven efficiency will be instrumental in tackling the longstanding policing difficulties faced by Masaka City in recent years.
An opposition stronghold with security concerns
Masaka has historically been a stronghold for the opposition, with all three parliamentary seats held by the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the last election. The region has also grappled with security threats, such as the 2021 machete attack linked to the rebel group ADF.
Joseph Bakaleke rose to prominence when he was appointed as the DPC of Kampala Central Police Station in 2016. His exceptional leadership during the post-election period restored peace and order in the city, showcasing his strong management and policing skills.
Having served as the head of the police training school in Kabalye and undertaken challenging deployments in Kiryandogo, Kapchorwa, and Kabale, Bakaleke brings a wealth of experience to his new role in Masaka City.
As Bakaleke assumes his duties in Masaka, he is well aware of the unique challenges posed by the region’s political landscape and the expectations of the government.
His appointment reflects the force’s confidence in his ability to navigate these complexities successfully. We extend our best wishes to him as he embarks on this new chapter in Masaka.
