President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned newly recruited police officers against engaging in corruption, saying the vice remains one of the biggest obstacles affecting Uganda’s development and public service delivery. Speaking at the pass-out ceremony of 9,952 Probationer Police Constables at the Police Training School, Kabalye in Masindi District on Friday evening, Museveni said corruption undermines sectors including health, agriculture, infrastructure, and security.
He urged the new officers to resist pressure to engage in corrupt practices, even when instructed by their superiors. “The issue of corruption is the root cause of all the problems we have. When you look into them, you find corruption. I am now told that people are selling government jobs in the districts. You, as police officers, must not involve yourselves in corruption. In the areas where you will be deployed, do not engage in that act. Even if your boss tells you to do it, refuse. I will come for you,” Museveni said.
The President said corruption has also weakened efforts to fight crime, noting that tools such as fingerprinting, police dogs, public awareness campaigns, and CCTV cameras can only work effectively when security personnel operate professionally. He said the government is now focusing on dealing with corrupt officials, describing corruption as an enemy that must be defeated. “Anyone corrupt will regret it, because we are now coming for all of them,” Museveni said.
Museveni also cautioned the recruits to maintain discipline and prioritize their personal well-being, warning them against alcohol abuse and irresponsible behaviour. “Keep your bodies clean. Avoid alcohol and avoid women. I do not want to find you in compromised situations next time. I am 82, but I can still match you young people stride for stride,” he said.
The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, said the new intake represents the largest recruitment in the history of the Uganda Police Force and will significantly improve manpower. He said the 9,952 recruits will increase the Force’s strength from 48,417 to 58,369 officers, representing a 20.5 percent increase.
According to Byakagaba, the new numbers improve the police-to-population ratio to one officer for every 839 people, although it remains below the international recommendation of one officer for every 500 people. He added that the Force has expanded police presence across the country, with 1,231 sub-counties now having police coverage, representing 56 percent coverage across Uganda’s 23 police regions.
The IGP also said 1,268 official police counter phones have been distributed to sub-counties to improve access to police services. The new officers will undergo a six-month probation period before confirmation as Police Constables. Under the revised salary structure, their monthly pay will increase from Shs580,000 to Shs590,000-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
