The Inspector General of Police, IGP Abbas Byakagaba, passed out 7,018 former Election Special Police Constables (SPCs) at the Police Counter Terrorism Training School, Olilim, in Katakwi district, following completion of specialized training for deployment under licensed Private Security Organizations.
While officiating at the pass-out, IGP Abbas Byakagaba described private security as “indispensable and essential” to Uganda’s multi-layered security architecture. “They are often first responders at crime scenes and a critical component of our national security framework. This is why adequate training is non-negotiable,” the IGP said.
Byakagaba noted that after the election period, the Police leadership decided to utilize the skills of SPCs rather than let them go to waste, and engaged PSOs to absorb them into the private security industry.
IGP Byakagaba adds that Private security organizations contribute to the country’s transformative agenda by employing over 80,000 Ugandans – a figure higher than the current strength of the Uganda Police Force. He further urged CEOs of private security companies to prioritize the welfare of guards.
Byakagaba challenged the graduates to view their new roles as a national calling: “Do not look at private security as mere employment. Look at it as service above self in protecting our nation. Go and execute your duties with discipline, integrity, and professionalism.”
AIGP Moses Kafeero Kabugo, Director Human Resource Development, commended the trainees and instructors for their dedication and discipline. He attributed the successful completion of the course to strong coordination among all Police directorates.
AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, Director of Operations and Supervisor of Private Security, said the Police is committed to ensuring private security personnel meet national standards to enhance public safety. “We are streamlining private security uniforms to ensure they remain distinct from those of the UPF and UPDF. We have also established a central databank for this first cohort of trained private security guards. Private security is often the first line of safety for citizens, and closer coordination with Police is essential,” AIGP Mwesigwa stated.
According to the Commandant of PTS Olilim, SSP Jasper Oloka, SPCs were drawn from 32 policing region across the county , the trainees underwent 16 modules covering weapons safety, guard and escort duties, counter-terrorism awareness, crime scene management, and professional ethics.
Ooloka says this is the first time the Uganda Police Force has undertaken formal training of personnel for the private security sector at this scale. The training has built their confidence and competence to execute duties and contribute to national security,” SSP Oloka said.
The chairperson Uganda private security Association Grace Matsiko thanks government for the initiative as it going to address training challenges faced by private security companies.
Currently, Uganda has over 400 private security firms employing more than 100,000 people across the county.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by Brig. Gen Allan Kyangungu, Deputy 3 Infantry Division Deputy Commandant, Commandant ASTU, ACP Chemusto Francis, Directors from private security companies among others.
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