Browsing: @police

As election duties end, thousands of Special Police Constables are scrambling for places in Uganda’s private security industry, starting with nationwide exams and a month of rigorous training.

Uganda’s Inspector General of Police met with private security leaders to address rising tensions, taxation challenges, and coordination gaps. IGP Byakagaba pledged support and reforms, calling PSOs “strategic security partners” in a turning point for Uganda’s national security approach.

Uganda’s private security sector is playing an increasingly vital role in maintaining law and order, filling critical gaps in public policing. At the TUPSA Annual General Meeting, security leaders and police officials highlighted the industry’s impact, regulatory hurdles, and calls for government support. As demand for private security services rises, is Uganda ready for a new era of public-private security collaboration?

Kampala’s Northern Bypass has become a hotspot for organized phone snatchers, preying on motorists stuck in traffic, particularly near the Busega Y Junction and Entebbe Highway exits. According to former Assistant Inspector General of Police Asan Kasingye, these criminal syndicates collaborate with street vendors, who scan vehicles for valuables and alert thieves. Operating with military-like precision, the thieves snatch phones and quickly escape using tunnels beneath the bypass, making it difficult for victims to pursue them. The lack of visible police patrols and traffic congestion further emboldens these criminals. As theft tactics become more sophisticated and organized, can law enforcement keep up?

The 2024 Annual Performance Report from Uganda’s Directorate of Forensic Services (DFS) reveals a year of technological growth, increased crime scene investigations, and biometric advancements. With over 42,416 crime scenes processed and 2.1 million biometric records handled, the DFS has strengthened its role in supporting Uganda’s criminal justice system. However, persistent challenges such as latent print backlogs, DNA report delays, and staffing shortages highlight the need for further investment in forensic infrastructure. The report also shows a 21% increase in expert court appearances, reflecting the growing importance of forensic science in judicial processes.