SCP Enanga Fred, the Police Spokesperson in his weekly briefing on April 22, 2024, addressed concerns raised by the Uganda Police Force (UPF) regarding a surge in criminal activities involving private security guards and the inadequate handling of firearms.
The UPF expressed deep concern over several troubling incidents involving private security guards and organizations. These incidents included attacks among security personnel themselves, violence against clients at various locations such as petrol stations, sports betting companies, factories, residential areas, and the unauthorized setup of roadblocks. Such behaviors have resulted in trauma, distress, and anger among victims and affected clients.
Furthermore, the UPF highlighted the careless handling, carrying, and transportation of firearms by some private security guards. This not only poses a risk to their own safety but also endangers the public when firearms are stolen or misused. Instances of guards loitering with firearms or transporting them on motorcycles (bodabodas) were particularly noted as risky practices.
To address these issues and prevent further tragedies, the UPF has implemented several initiatives. Territorial commanders have been directed to arrest guards violating guidelines, confiscate mishandled firearms, and suspend non-compliant Private Security Organizations (PSOs) in collaboration with Police Headquarters. Additionally, since January 2024, 20 PSOs have been recommended for suspension and 7 for license cancellation due to various infractions.
The Directorate of Operations is actively engaged with PSOs to raise awareness about priority threats, compile data on concerning behaviors, disqualify or cancel PSOs’ firearm privileges, enhance auditing processes, and promote safe firearm transportation and custody. The Directorate of Crime Intelligence is conducting background checks, re-vetting, and gathering actionable intelligence on the misuse of private firearms with the help of the public. Furthermore, a standardized PSO training curriculum with tactical components is being developed by the Directorate of Human Resource Development.
The UPF emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Association of PSOs as partners in addressing these challenges. They acknowledged the strength of their partnerships and committed to ongoing assessment and improvement efforts to enhance security standards and practices within the private security sector.
