Over 7000 ex-election police constables ready for private security deployment

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Abbas Byakagaba, on Wednesday passed out 7,018 former Election Special Police Constables (SPCs) at the Police Counter Terrorism Training School, Olilim, following completion of specialized training for deployment under licensed Private Security Organizations (PSOs).

The ex-constables who have been undergoing training in Olilim, were drawn from 32 policing regions across the country.

According to the Commandant of Police Training School Olilim, SSP Jasper Oloka, the trainees underwent 16 modules covering weapons safety, guard and escort duties, counter-terrorism awareness, crime scene management, and professional ethics.

“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,” Oloka said.

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 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,” he explained.

Mr. Mwesigwa said that private security is often the first line of safety for citizens, and closer coordination with Police is essential.

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.

He 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.

“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. I urge CEOs of private security companies to prioritize the welfare of guards,” Mr. Byakagaba added.

The IGP 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 the protection of our nation. Go and execute your duties with discipline, integrity, and professionalism.”

The pass-out ceremony was attended by Commandant ASTU, ACP Francis Chemusto, Brig. Gen. Allan Kyangungu, Deputy 3 Infantry Division Deputy Commandant, SSP Ezra Tugume, DPC Napak SP Wilfred Waigo representing RPC Mt. Moroto, and other officers of UPF and UPDF.