More than 10,000 newly trained police officers have completed their training and are set to boost Uganda’s policing capacity as the government moves to improve the country’s police-to-population ratio, which remains far below the United Nations recommended standard.
A total of 10,017 Police Probationer Constables, including 65 immigration officers, were passed out on Friday after completing their respective training programmes. The police constables underwent 11 months of training at Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi and the Police Training School in Ikafe, Yumbe District, while the immigration officers completed a four-month course.
Speaking during the pass-out ceremony, the Commandant of Kabalye Police Training School, Commissioner of Police Patrick Akim Lawot, said the recruits had acquired the knowledge, skills and values required to serve the public professionally. “I am confident that the skills, knowledge and attitude acquired during training will enhance service delivery in their institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Lawot said.
He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, discipline and selflessness throughout their careers. “I also remind you today to remain committed to serving your motherland as public officers. The citizens and residents of Uganda deserve the best from you, and I am confident that the training you have received will enable you to meet expectations,” he added.
The graduates will now begin a six-month probationary period as Probationer Police Constables before being confirmed as full Police Constables. Under the revised government salary structure, their monthly pay will increase from 580,000 to 590,000 Shillings upon confirmation.
The latest recruitment is intended to strengthen the Uganda Police Force and improve the country’s police-to-population ratio, which currently stands at approximately one officer for every 812 to 832 people, well below the United Nations’ recommended ratio of one officer for every 220 people. By press time, President Yoweri Museveni was inspecting demonstrations by the recruits, including firearms handling, public order management and immigration procedures, as the pass-out parade continued-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
