Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba has recognized two private security guards in Kazo District for demonstrating integrity after they rejected a bribe offered by suspects involved in a cattle theft incident. Each guard received a cash reward of UGX 500,000 for their actions, which led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen animals.
The beneficiaries, Paul Okongo and Samuel Lokodo, are employees of Eagle Eye Security Agency, a private security firm operating in the district. Acting on instructions from the Inspector General of Police, the cash reward was formally handed over on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, by the Chairperson of the Uganda Private Security Association, Grace Matsiko, at Kazo Police District Headquarters.
The handover ceremony was attended by several local and security leaders, including the Resident District Commissioner for Kazo District, Capt. retired Yahaya Kakooza, the District LC5 Chairperson Rev. Sam Katugunda, the District Police Commander SSP Joseph Ndabimana, a representative from the District Internal Security Office, and police officers who participated in the operation that led to the recovery of the cattle.
According to Matsiko, the two guards were approached with a bribe after suspects stole cattle from a farm they were guarding. Instead of accepting the money, the guards alerted the police, who responded promptly and arrested the suspects. He said the Inspector General of Police described the guards as patriotic citizens whose conduct deserved recognition and support.
Matsiko added that the gesture was intended to reinforce cooperation between the Uganda Police Force and private security organizations in preventing and responding to crime. He noted that private security plays an important supporting role in national security efforts, particularly in protecting livelihoods and contributing to social and economic stability.
The Resident District Commissioner, Capt. Kakooza, welcomed the recognition, describing it as a strong message to private security personnel and other security actors about the value of integrity. He said the guards’ refusal to accept a bribe reflected discipline and professionalism, adding that such actions contribute to improved security in the district.
Capt. Kakooza also observed that crime levels in Kazo District have reduced in recent months, attributing the improvement to timely intelligence sharing and close coordination between private security companies and the police. He commended the police officers involved for their swift response to the alert and suggested that they too deserved recognition for their role in the successful operation.
The incident has been cited by security leaders as an example of how cooperation between private security providers and state security agencies can strengthen crime prevention and enforcement across the country.