IGP Byakagaba Graduates Over 7,000 Ex-Election Constables for Private Security Roles

Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba presided over the graduation of 7,018 former Election Special Police Constables (SPCs) at the Police Counter Terrorism Training School in Olilim. The ceremony on Wednesday highlighted their readiness for roles in licensed Private Security Organizations (PSOs).

These trainees, sourced from 32 policing regions nationwide, completed a rigorous program featuring 16 modules. Topics included weapons safety, guard and escort duties, counter-terrorism awareness, crime scene management, and professional ethics, as explained by Commandant SSP Jasper Oloka.

Oloka described this as the first large-scale formal training by the Uganda Police Force for private security personnel, enhancing their confidence and skills for national security contributions. AIGP Moses Kafeero Kabugo praised the dedication of trainees and instructors, crediting inter-directorate coordination.

AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, Director of Operations and Private Security Supervisor, emphasized standardizing uniforms to distinguish them from UPF and UPDF attire. He also announced a central databank for this cohort, underscoring private security’s role as citizens’ first line of defense.

IGP Byakagaba called private security ‘indispensable’ to Uganda’s security framework, noting PSOs employ over 80,000 people—more than the police force. He urged CEOs to prioritize guard welfare and challenged graduates to serve with discipline and integrity.

The event drew attendees including Commandant ASTU ACP Francis Chemusto, Brig. Gen. Allan Kyangungu, and other UPF and UPDF officers.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)