Latest news with #UgandaPoliceForce
Emirates 24/7
02-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ugandan Police Trainer Discovers a New World of Policing Through Dubai Police's PIL Programme
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ecwatu Daniel Elly, a senior trainer from the Uganda Police Force, believes that technology, leadership, and community engagement are the foundational pillars of modern law enforcement. With close to a decade of experience delivering training in information technology, community policing, and general law enforcement to senior officers, Daniel's journey brought him to Dubai to participate in the second edition of the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma, organised by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology. His motivation? To explore the future of policing and discover how innovation can transform public safety. Reflecting on the experience, Daniel said, "The PIL Diploma opened my eyes to a whole new world. I've been teaching technology in policing for years in theory—but here in Dubai, it's different. From AI-powered traffic management to blockchain technology and smart policing solutions, I saw things I never imagined I'd witness being implemented in real-time." Smart Solutions for a Smarter Police Force What struck Daniel most was Dubai Police's seamless technology integration into daily operations. "In Uganda, traffic is still manually regulated by officers standing on the road," he explained. "But in Dubai, AI systems, drones, and smart cameras handle it all—flawlessly. I didn't see a single officer manually directing traffic. It's fully automated. This is exactly the level of innovation police forces worldwide should aim for." Daniel was also impressed by Dubai Police's Smart Police Stations (SPS), which are self-operated service centres where members of the public can report cases, file complaints, and access services without officer involvement. "In Uganda, we rely heavily on community policing, but the concept of self-service police stations is new to us," he said. "Seeing how effectively it works here proves that technology can build public trust and significantly improve efficiency." A Global Platform for Learning and Collaboration The PIL Diploma has brought together officers from 39 countries, creating a dynamic cross-cultural exchange and shared learning environment. "What amazed me was hearing even European officers express surprise at Dubai's model," he noted. "This proves that regardless of how advanced a country may be, there's always something new to learn from others." Daniel believes this international collaboration is one of the programme's greatest strengths: "We're not just here to observe—we're here to adapt ideas to our own contexts. Every country has its own path, but Dubai has given us a clear vision of what is possible." Wellness and Mental Resilience Beyond strategy and innovation, the programme also focuses on physical and mental wellness, something Daniel embraced in his role as a wellness team leader. "Every morning, we participate in physical training, endurance activities—even ice therapy sessions," he said. "It's not just about staying fit—it's about building resilience, which is essential for officers working under pressure." Taking Change Back to Uganda As the programme nears its conclusion, Daniel is already thinking about how to apply what he's learned back home. "My Master's research focuses on digital evidence management, and the exposure to blockchain, AI, and forensic developments here will directly enhance my thesis," he said. "If Uganda implements even a portion of these innovations, it could revolutionise our investigation and crime-fighting capabilities." He also hopes to see Uganda adopt more community engagement initiatives, like Dubai Police's Positive Spirit programme, which he described as "a powerful tool for building trust." "Dubai Police doesn't just respond to incidents—they actively engage with communities, hosting events and fostering strong public relationships. These kinds of initiatives can have a lasting impact on public safety and happiness." A Message to Dubai Police Daniel expressed heartfelt thanks to Dubai Police for the exceptional organisation of the programme. "This diploma has been organised brilliantly—from the training sessions to the logistics," he said. "This experience has changed the way I view policing forever. The future of law enforcement is already here in Dubai, and I'm proud to have been a part of it." As he prepares to return to Uganda, ASP Ecwatu Daniel Elly represents a new generation of police leaders—leaders driven by innovation, inspired by global collaboration, and committed to building a safer future for communities everywhere. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Police to recruit 10,000 constables ahead of general elections
As country gears up for the 2026 general elections, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is seeking Shs157 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year budget to cater for recruitment of probation police constables (PPCs). Uganda is slated to hold general elections in January 2026 and the Under Secretary, of the force, Aggrey Wunyi said that if law and order is to be upheld in the during the election period, 10,000 constables are required. He however was concerned that the proposed allocation of Shs58 billion to recruit the PPCs leaves a shortfall of Shs99 billion which he says may compromise the peace and security of the citizenry during elections. The Undersecretary made the request while appearing before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to present the force's budget request on Tuesday, 25 March 2025. The Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire led the team of security offices to the meeting chaired by Hon. Wilson Kajwengye Wunyi also warned that the police officers may find difficulties in carrying out motorised patrols during the elections because out of the Shs189 billion required to procure fuel, only Shs55 billion has been allocated. He added that election-related investigations will also be affected, saying that out of the required Shs60 billion, only Shs6.4 billion is being allocated. 'There will be need for quick investigations to resolve cases that arise during elections and yet we have a very big funding shortfall,' said Wunyi. The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba said that the budget shortfalls affect the force's mandate to effectively keep law and order. He attributed the shortfalls to lack of funds from other programmes saying that under the pragmatic approach to planning and budgeting, UPF's mandate cuts across almost all National Development Plan IV programmes but only receives funding from three progammes. 'My appeal to this committee is to advocate for UPF to be considered for funding from other relevant NDP IV programmes. This will cover shortfalls in the force's budget,' said Byakagaba. Kahinda Otafiire on the other hand applauded the force for ensuring reduction in the crime rate, saying cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024. 'With your support for the expansion of the CCTV surveillance system in rural areas and with other interventions such as implementation of sub county policing model, I want to assure you that cases of criminality will be contained,' Otafiire said. Committee Chairperson, Kajwengye pointed out the importance of adequately funding the police in the run up to the elections. '2025/2026 is of significance. It is a year where we shall have elections to underpin our democratic credentials as a country and when we talk about elections, then the role of police is at the core,' said Kajwengye. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Zawya
Uganda: Police to roll out phase III of national CCTV system
The implementation of phase III of the national CCTV project by the Uganda Police Force (UPF) will require an additional US$62 million. This revelation was made by the Undersecretary of the Police Aggrey Wunyi while appearing before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. Wunyi said that the project is still at the design and budget solicitation stage. AUDIO Wunyi The State Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. David Muhoozi led members of the force to the meeting of the committee. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba accompanied the minister. The minister added that the already implemented phase I and II of the national CCTV system is performing at an average ranging from 85 per cent to 95 per cent with some districts achieving 100 per cent performance. Muhoozi added that the system has so far covered all the 19 Kampala Metropolitan policing divisions and all municipalities including Masaka, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale, Kisoro, Arua, Gulu, Iganga and Jinja. The other municipalities covered include Rukungiri, Bushenyi, Kasese, Fort Portal, Mubende, Mityana, Hoima, Masindi, Kitgum, Lira, Soroti, Moroto, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Tororo and Kamuli. 'Since implementation of the system in 2018, 42,417 operational and intelligence led incidents have been managed and 6,688 cases have undergone thorough investigation using the footage captured,' said Muhoozi. He said phase III of the project seeks to close the gaps identified in the initial phases through increasing camera density to reduce blind spots, introduce body-worn cameras for police officers and enhance the capacity of the data centre to support growing storage and processing needs. 'The system has to keep running because UPF recruited qualified IT personnel and engineers to do maintenance of the system. Only continuous training on new upgrades of the system is required,' Muhoozi added. AUDIO Kajwengye Legislators however, queried the effectiveness of the CCTV cameras. Committee Chairperson, Hon. Wilson Kajwengye asked about the ability of the cameras to operate efficiently during power outages affecting different parts of the country. 'We have had incidences where the main grid goes off. Does that affect your cameras or do the cameras have capacity to keep running despite such challenges? Is this also the case throughout the country?' Kajwengye asked. Hon. Peter Okeyoh (NRM, Bukooli Island County) tasked the UPF leadership to provide the measures being taken to vandalism of CCTV systems in the field, including during construction works like road maintenance. Kagoma North County MP, Hon. Kintu Brandon asked about the feasibility of the national CCTV system in incorporating footage captured private CCTV cameras. 'We have cameras installed in private places like supermarkets, bars, hotels or homes. How do you link them to your main CCTV centre in cases of crimes where you need to check their footage?' Kintu asked. Muhoozi clarified that the national system is not connected to the private CCTV cameras. 'We only use volunteer information from those with personal cameras. We also do not have a legal regime that governs private cameras and how they can offer input in the national grid of cameras, because there are privacy issues involved,' Muhoozi said. AUDIO Muhoozi To tackle vandalism, Muhoozi noted that CCTV cameras are mounted on poles covered with spikes to deter persons from climbing to destroy the camera systems. The UPF Director for ICT, Felix Baryamwisaki said the CCTV system has robust provisions to manage the inconsistencies of power supply. 'The camera sites have power backup of up to eight hours. If the main grid goes off beyond that, we get affected but the main monitoring centres remain operational because they have longer backup hours,' said Baryamwisaki. He added that power access in cities has greatly improved with power outages of not more than four hours adding that there are plans to install solar systems at CCTV sites in areas with long power outages. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Uganda: Police patrols to go electric to combat climate change
Government has unveiled a pilot programme to introduce electric vehicles for police patrols as part of efforts to combat climate change. The initiative was announced by the State Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, while responding to MPs' concerns during the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Thursday 6 March 2025. During the previous day's sitting, the Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Lawrence Songa, had warned of impending heavy rains and floods linked to the current heatwave. He urged the government to adopt proactive disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. 'This heat wave affects health, agriculture and the economy. Increased evaporation from Lake Victoria will likely cause heavy rainfall and flooding. We must focus on preparedness rather than reactive relief efforts,' he cautioned. He also criticized the country's inefficient transport system, stating, 'Our traffic jams generate excessive heat, increasing emissions. We burn too much fuel and waste money on vehicle maintenance.' Shadow Minister for Environment, Hon. Christine Kaaya, (NUP, Kiboga District Woman), emphasized the need for a comprehensive government response. 'Extreme weather patterns are driven by both local activities and global environmental mismanagement. How do we measure our contributions to adaptation and mitigation?' she said. Speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Kalungu West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, called for stronger policies against deforestation and incentives for alternative energy sources. 'Ugandans can use gas, but its high cost remains a barrier. The government should reduce taxes on alternative energy sources to encourage adoption,' he said. Minister Anywar acknowledged the severe impact of climate change, stating that the transition to electric patrol vehicles would begin with the Uganda Police Force. 'During last Monday's Cabinet meeting, we resolved to start with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Our police officers, who travel frequently, will be the first to receive electric motorcycles and vehicles,' she said. The Ministry of Environment predicts that the ongoing heat wave will subside by mid-March, bringing cooler temperatures and rainfall. Anywar attributed the extreme conditions to seasonal dry weather, the sun's position near the equator, a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean, and the urban heat island effect. She reassured MPs that costs would decline once Uganda begins oil and gas production in the Albertine region. 'The government has already subsidized 40 percent of gas cylinder costs. This reduction is in place to make gas more accessible,' she said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
