President Yoweri Museveni and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba have praised the joint security efforts in Jinja, highlighting the successful policing of recent events such as the International Nyege-Nyege festival and his own PDM performance assessment tour.
Speaking during the 28th Police Council meeting, President Museveni commended the joint security coordination with civilians in Jinja, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The IGP Byakagaba echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that the much-touted Nyege-Nyege festival and the presidential tour were “well managed and well policed.”
The Regional Police Commander (RPC) Kiira, SSP Charles Nsaba, conveyed the President’s and IGP’s message to officers in the region during a meeting held at the Jinja City-based Civil Service College of Uganda (CSCU).
He emphasized the importance of improving welfare for officers and their families. This includes enhanced salaries, ongoing construction of housing units in Jinja, and improved access to health and education services.
In addition, President Museveni announced that all police officers will soon receive newly approved uniforms and uniform parts.
He also discussed the importance of enhancing technical enablers such as CCTV cameras, police dogs, and digital number plates to improve policing efforts.
According to a press release issued by the Regional police publicist SP James Mubi,the Kiira region has been designated as the model region for implementing the sub-county policing model (SCPM), which aims to bring police services closer to the people and reduce crime rates.
IGP Byakagaba stressed the importance of decentralized training at regional levels, urging Regional Police Commanders to take training seriously.
The Tuesday meeting also addressed forthcoming rising political temperatures, with the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Jinja City, Richard Gulume Balyainho advising officers to remain impartial and avoid being used by politicians.
The RPC Kiira also used the occasion to welcome new officers who have reported for duty to kick start the sub-county policing model, as per the strategic guidance of the president.
Charles Nsaba further stated that the Regional Alert Squad headed by the Deputy RPC, SSP David Katunda will be moving around the region on a rectification tour of duty to ensure everything is in order as per the SCPM and other addressing pertinent policing public concerns so as to promote and sustain good police image.
According to experts in the UPF, an Alert Squad is a specialized team of police officers trained to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations like riots or civil unrest, armed robberies or violent crimes, terrorist threats or attacks and natural disasters or accidents.
Commentators observe that the UPF has been effective in managing and quelling politically motivated protests, often deploying their riot control units and other specialized teams to maintain order.
However, critics say their response to natural disasters like floods and mudslides has been somewhat limited, which is blamed on a number of factors.
Apologists say the UPF does not have the necessary equipment, personnel, or funding to respond effectively to natural disasters.
They also say police officers have not received adequate training in disaster management, which can hinder their ability to respond.
Others argue that the police force’s primary mandate is to maintain law and order, which can lead to a focus on quelling protests and maintaining security over responding to natural disasters.
To address this gap, commentators have renewed calls for the UPF to develop a more comprehensive disaster response strategy which would involve collaboration with other agencies, specialized training in disaster response and ensuring that the police force has the necessary equipment and resources to respond effectively to natural disasters.
What You Need To Know:
The Uganda Police Council is a governing body that oversees the administration and management of the Uganda Police Force (UPF).
The Council is established under Section 8 of the Uganda Police Act, Cap 303.
Key Functions of the Uganda Police Council: Policy Formulation: The Council formulates policies for the effective management and administration of the Police Force.
Strategic Planning: It develops strategic plans for the Police Force, including setting goals, objectives, and priorities.
Budgeting and Financial Management: The Council approves the budget for the Police Force and ensures effective financial management.
Human Resource Management: It oversees the recruitment, training, promotion, and discipline of police personnel.
Operational Oversight: The Council monitors and evaluates the performance of the Police Force, including its operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The Council consists of the following members:
Chairperson: The Minister responsible for Internal Affairs (Maj Gen Kahinda Otafire) as of now, who is the chairperson of the Council.
Inspector General of Police (IGP): The head of the Uganda Police Force, who is the vice chairperson of the Council.
Deputy Inspector General of Police: The deputy head of the Uganda Police Force.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs: The chief administrative officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Commissioner General of Prisons: The head of the Uganda Prisons Service.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP): The head of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Two members appointed by the President: These members are appointed by the president in consultation with the minister responsible for internal affairs.
According to pundits, the Uganda Police Council plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective management and administration of the Uganda Police Force and in promoting the safety and security of the people of Uganda.
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