Kampala, Uganda: The Inspector General of Police, IGP Abbas Byakagaba has appointed Superintendent of Police (SP) Racheal Kawala as the new Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, replacing Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patrick Onyango, who has served in the position for several years.
SP Kawala joins from Wamala Region Police, where she served as the Regional Police Spokesperson, a position that earned her recognition for the professionalism, consistency, and community engagement she exibiter over the years across the districts of Mityana, Kiboga, Mubende, and Kassanda.
Although Police had not yet released an official statement at the time of filing this report, insiders revealed to DailyExpress that her appointment had already been communicated internally, pending formal public announcement by the Police Human Resource Directorate.
Kawala’s transfer to Kampala Metropolitan — the most high-profile and media-intensive command in the country — underscores the Force’s confidence in her ability to manage strategic communication during a politically sensitive period marked by increased public demonstrations, campaign rallies, and heightened security operations.
A senior police source described her as “disciplined, articulate, and media-savvy,” adding that her rise through the ranks represents a generational shift in the Force’s communication strategy.
“She has proven her mettle in handling sensitive cases, building public trust, and coordinating with journalists in challenging circumstances. This new assignment is well-deserved,” the source said.
Kawala’s predecessor, the outgoing spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, who has served in the Kampala Metropolitan role since 2019, is expected to take up a new assignment within the Police administration.
During his tenure, Onyango became a familiar face in the media, handling some of the most complex security stories, including the COVID-19 enforcement period, protest crackdowns, and major crime operations within Kampala.
“Onyango leaves a legacy of consistency and accessibility. He bridged the gap between the Force and the public at a time when trust in institutions was under intense scrutiny,” another senior officer noted.
SP Kawala’s appointment comes as Uganda heads into the 2026 election season, with the Kampala Metropolitan area already a hotspot for political activity, rallies, and public demonstrations.
Her role will is expected to be pivotal in managing the Police’s communication flow, coordinating with media houses, and ensuring timely dissemination of verified security updates amid misinformation and online propaganda.
Security analysts say the move reflects Police leadership’s intent to strengthen its communication machinery ahead of the elections to ensure transparency and public confidence in security operations.
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