President Museveni Pledges to Upgrade Isunga Police Station, a Historic Bush War Site

Kagadi, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to renovate and upgrade Isunga Police Station in Kagadi district, a location etched in Uganda’s history as a key site during the 1981 Bush War that marked the beginning of his armed struggle for liberation.

During a visit to the station on Friday, the President reflected on its significance and promised a much-needed facelift for the facility. He tasked Major General David Mugisha, Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), and Ms. Jane Barekye, State House Comptroller, with overseeing the reconstruction efforts, signaling the government’s commitment to preserving and modernizing this historic site.

President Museveni took the opportunity to recount the dramatic events of February 6, 1981, when he and a small group of 27 comrades launched their campaign against the government of Milton Obote. Armed with limited resources, just 27 guns, the group initiated their rebellion with an audacious attack on Kabamba Barracks. After seizing military equipment there, they pressed forward through Kagadi, eventually reaching Isunga Police Station.

It was at Isunga that the rebels achieved a pivotal victory, overrunning the station and capturing a prized RPG-7B rocket-propelled grenade launcher. The President underscored the weapon’s importance, explaining how it bolstered their modest arsenal and proved instrumental in subsequent battles. “This RPG gun was a valuable addition to the few weapons we had captured from Kabamba earlier that day. It helped us in our struggle,” he said, highlighting its strategic role in the early days of the National Resistance Army (NRA) campaign.

Isunga Police Station stands as more than just a functional outpost; it is a symbol of resilience and determination in Uganda’s liberation narrative. The 1981 Bush War, which began with these early skirmishes, ultimately led to Museveni’s rise to power in 1986, ending years of political instability and conflict in the country. The President’s pledge to upgrade the station reflects a broader effort to honor the sacrifices made during that tumultuous period while improving infrastructure for the benefit of the local community and security forces stationed there.

The planned reconstruction is expected to modernize the facility, ensuring it meets contemporary policing needs while preserving its historical legacy. Though specific details of the project’s timeline and budget remain undisclosed, the involvement of high-ranking officials like Maj. Gen. Mugisha and Ms. Barekye suggests a prioritized and well-coordinated effort.

For the people of Kagadi district, the President’s visit and commitment to revitalizing Isunga Police Station serve as a reminder of their region’s role in shaping Uganda’s destiny. As the nation continues to evolve, this historic site will soon stand as a testament to both its past struggles and its aspirations for a stable and prosperous future.