Thursday, February 18, 2010

Uganda: Police Need Fresh Training, Say MPs

THE parliamentary select committee that investigated the Police has recommended that the officers be re-trained to restore trust in the public.

The committee, in its report, noted that the way the Police, especially the newly recruited constables and the local defence units handled cases, was unprofessional.

"There is a public outcry over the unprofessional behaviour of some Police officers, which requires immediate attention.

"The committee recommends that regular in-service training be carried out so that the Uganda Police regain their lost glory," the report read.

On the recruitment and promotions within the Force, the committee observed that the matter had raised complaints from the public, with allegations that some regions were being favoured.

The committee recommended that recruitment and promotions should be done with the involvement of district leaders and MPs.

"This will help avoid the perception that some regions are favoured. The quotas should always be made known to the district leaders and MPs," the report added.

On the welfare of the Police, the committee noted that officers in the barracks of Naguru, Nsambya and Old Kampala were living under poor conditions, where most houses had no roofs, were congested and lacked toilets.

"When the committee visited the barracks, we found that most of them were not fit for human occupation and should be condemned.

"Although efforts are underway through the private-public partnership to resolve the issue, this does not address the whole country because in some areas, the situation is pathetic," the report added.

On the private-public partnership which is aimed at improving accommodation of the Force, the MPs recommended that the project should be developed with participation of Parliament at all stages.

Their involvement would help avert controversies that were experienced in the past, due to certain undertakings by the Government, the report said.

The committee chaired by Peter Nyombi (Nakasongola) presented the report to the Speaker of Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, last week.

The committee was scheduled to meet the President on Thursday over the report, particularly on the recruitment and accommodation of Police officers.

By Madinah Tebajjukira

Source: The New Vision (11/02/2010)

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