Deputy Field Force Unit Commander Ecotu Agapitus Dies at Mulago Hospital

The Uganda Police Force is mourning the death of Commissioner of Police (CP) Ecotu Agapitus, who served as the deputy commander of the Field Force Unit (FFU). Ecotu passed away at the Mulago National Referral Hospital, leaving a void in the senior ranks of the force.

Ecotu was a key figure in the FFU, an arm of the police responsible for managing public order, riot control, and tactical operations. His tenure saw him working under Assistant Inspector General of Police John Nuwagira. He was appointed to this role following a reshuffle by the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba.

Throughout his career, Ecotu brought a wealth of experience, contributing to administration, field operations, and counter-terrorism efforts. He also played a role in international peacekeeping missions. Prior to his FFU command, he was involved in personnel and institutional management at the Directorate of Human Resource Administration and served in the Counter-Terrorism Directorate.

His experience extended to securing critical national infrastructure within the Oil and Gas Protection Division. Ecotu also held significant command responsibilities in the Rwenzori region, particularly in the aftermath of the 2016 Kasese clashes. He was instrumental in the process of receiving former royal guards who surrendered to security forces.

In June 2023, Ecotu was among 1,638 police officers promoted to Commissioner of Police by President Yoweri Museveni. His expertise was also recognized by the United Nations, with considerations for assignments under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), now ATMIS. During his time in Mogadishu in February 2022, he was involved in training and advising the Somali Police Force on reforms and overseeing Ugandan police deployments.

Colleagues have remembered Ecotu as a disciplined, consistent, and dependable officer with an unblemished record. The police spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, confirmed the news and stated that an official statement with details on the cause of death and burial arrangements would be released soon.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/deputy-police-field-commander-ecotu-dies-at-mulago