Uganda Police Force to Merge Directorates as Part of Government Reforms

The Uganda Police Force has initiated a significant restructuring process, merging several of its 18 directorates as part of broader public service reforms. This move, driven by guidelines from the Ministry of Public Service, seeks to eliminate operational overlaps, cut down on costs, and improve the overall effectiveness of the force.

A dedicated team of senior police officers has been working with the Ministry of Public Service to implement these changes, which are scheduled to be fully operational by July 2026. Under the new structure, the ‘director’ title will be phased out, with individuals reverting to their substantive ranks, such as Assistant Inspector General of Police. Their deputies will now hold the rank of Senior Commissioner of Police.

Out of the current 18 directorates, only six are slated to remain independent. Significant consolidations include the merger of Traffic, Fire and Rescue Services, the Field Force Unit, ICT, and the Directorate of Health Services into the Directorate of Operations. The Criminal Investigations Directorate will absorb the Directorate of Forensic Services.

Human Resource Management will expand to encompass Research, Welfare, Production, and Human Resource Development and Training. Additionally, the Directorate of Legal Services and International Police Relations will be combined. The directorates of Crime Intelligence, Logistics, Engineering, and Counter Terrorism are expected to maintain their independent status.

This reform follows a directive from the President aimed at harmonizing police ranks with those of the army and prisons. The new phased guidelines also introduce the role of a Chief of Staff for operating directorates and a Joint Chief of Staff for the entire institution. These changes are consistent with the government’s broader Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (Rapex) program, approved in 2021, which has seen several agencies dissolved or restructured.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-starts-merging-directorates-5488536