By Ivan Kaahwa
President Yoweri Museveni passed out 2000 police officers who successfully completed rigorous training and acquired skills that will enable them to execute policing tasks in and outside the country. The officers, who demonstrated commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the country, are now prepared for deployment.

The president was excited to see many young people joining forces when they are well-educated, which he stated makes training very easy. He welcomed the 2000 trainees to the Uganda Police Force and thanked police leaders who have supported rebuilding the police force.

He noted that in 1986 after the reorganization, the police force remained with only 3000 officers, but the number has since grown to 53,000, which is worth celebrating. However, he argued that the low budget allocation has affected the prospect to increase the number of officers to over 92,000.

While speaking to the trainees, the president did make an account of the attack on the tourists and a tour guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park. He highlighted the mismanagement of the crime scene by the UPDF, noting their failure to bring in sniffer dogs—a responsibility that should have been carried out by the Uganda Police Force. He stated having made a phone call contemplating over the issue, and two dogs were provided but failed to apprehend the culprits.

President Museveni underscored the varied capacities of the police, including forensics departments, CCTV cameras, police dogs, and telephones, emphasizing the need for electronic number plates to facilitate quick tracing of criminals. He urged the new recruits to utilize all available assets to manage crime while upholding discipline, ideology, and self-health care.

The president noted hefty deployment at the Entebbe International Airport by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence [CMI], which he has directed to halt their deployments immediately. He argued that his previous order to former CMI commanders had not been implemented to accommodate immigration and police officers.

The Joint Chief of Staff Uganda People’s Defense Forces Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda told the president that CMI’s role at the airport is to counter terrorism. Still, he said that CMI will be requested to give way for the police to do the work since they have developed the capacity to combat terrorism.

The Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola stated that the police are building headquarters in Naguru and will soon commission the construction of a 300-bed modern police hospital in Nsambya. He further said that Internal Affairs, through Private Public Partnership, is set to construct 53,000 accommodation units, install solar gadgets for lighting, drill water for domestic use, and packaging to reduce costs on utilities, support operations and production, and improve the police officer’s welfare. Ochola stated that this will sort out perennial arrears that stretch to the Uganda Police Force budget.

In the current financial year 2023/2024, the Uganda Police Force management is implementing the Subcounty policing model, starting with greater Masaka where each subcounty will receive a vehicle, motorcycle, radio, and a personal strength of 18. The IGP requested the president to consider the removal of restrictions on recruitment and as well minimize budget cuts that affect operations in the police force. To the trainees, Ochola tasked them to serve with honor and dignity while exercising extraordinary justice to the population, arguing that the government has invested much in them. He also reminded them to remain healthy as they serve with courage and integrity.

The Internal Affairs Minister Maj. General. Kahinda Otafiire urged the Ministry of Finance to speed up the release of funds required to work on the welfare of the police officers since their state is pathetic, affecting their operational efficacy. Otafiire urged the police officers to serve the country with focus and aim at getting the Inspector General button through hard work, commitment, discipline, and respect for the citizen. He stated that immigration officers are the first line of defense and should work hard while Internal Affairs works on settling their issues.

Ezekiel Emitu, the Commandant Kabalye Police Training Institute, assured that the trained officers, including immigration officers (trained for two months), special police constables (four months), and probation police constables (12 months), are well-equipped to meet the demands of their roles. He highlighted the absence of ideological disorientation, thanks to competent tutors who instilled the historical missions, beliefs, and values of Ugandans during their training.

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