- In December 2006, Police Management made a deliberate and informed decision to carry out a comprehensive review of the entire Uganda Police Force to ensure it is a relevant, professional and democratically accountable establishment, as outlined in Article 211 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
- This decision was taken after lengthy discussions I had with the then Minister of Internal Affairs. Thereafter I appointed a steering Committee to pursue the review process. Given the contemporary policing challenges, there was need to comprehensively undertake a review in order to re-brand, refocus, and bolster the Uganda Police Force image as a modern, professional and educated force that can deal with all issues it faces in a community focused manner.
- Since then the process has been ongoing. It is work in progress and the process is not yet complete. It comes as a surprise therefore when some members of the opposition refer to the report as if it is complete. Last week the shadow Minister for Internal Affairs Muwanga Kivumbi, asked Parliament to discuss the report. How can Parliament discuss a report whose drafting is still ongoing? At best the report qualifies only to be referred to as a “Draft Report”.
- While we take note that the report has taken long to be finalized, this can be attributed to the decision to do a comprehensive review. Before the decision to do a comprehensive review was made, the initial step was a nationwide feasibility study which determined the need for a full review. All these are processes which do not take a short time to complete.
- Besides, the initial stages of the review were dragged by financial constraints. This was however short lived because soon after, some of our development partners came on board and provided the resources needed for the project.
- While the majority of civil society organizations were contacted for their input and some government offices and Institutions consulted, some key Government Ministries and offices such as the Ministry for Security, Prime Minister’s office, Ministry of Finance and the President’s Office, to mention but a few, are yet to be consulted. Thus, the draft report as it is, in its current form, lacks some input from key government offices.
- Once all the inputs are included, the report shall be presented to Police Management for discussion, input and eventual approval. There after I will formally sign the report and then it will be launched. After launching, an implementation programme shall be developed.
- This therefore is to appeal to all those prematurely advancing the debate on the report which is not yet complete to be patient till the report has completed the cycle of development.
Twaruhukwa Erasmus
For: INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
