Uganda Police Force-Police Review

Introduction:
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) review process originated from the realization of the critical issues relevant in transforming the Force into a professional, accountable and a credible institution whose values are based on the philosophy and practice of Community Policing and human rights which would provide a firm foundation in the process of consolidating a peacetime Uganda.

The concept of conducting a comprehensive UPF Review Process was perceived by the IGP - Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, after realization that since the establishment of the force in 1906 and current national and global challenges, it was necessary to review the operations of UPF

The introduction of the multiparty dispensation, the negative image and perception of the police by the general populace, the increasing levels of poverty, social exclusion and rising population and their impact on crime prevention, as well as the challenges police is confronted with in the enforcement of law and order, have not been simple tasks in achieving the objectives of police.

In this regard, a Police Review Steering Committee, composed of members of the UPF was formed to spearhead the review process, and commenced its work in December 2006.

A Feasibility Study was conducted between Jan and May 2007 within five Police regions and ten Districts so as to establish whether there was a need to carry out a police review. Results of the study clearly indicated that the Review was long overdue.

The exercise is funded by the Netherlands Government of the United States of America, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development in Uganda (“USAID”). The consultations are facilitated by Akijul Consultants. We are also working in liaison with HURINET.

The Goal of the UPF Review
To reinforce the centrality of UPF in achieving national development and the consolidation of democracy in Uganda based on Article 211 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and make the Force a relevant, professional and democratically accountable institution.

To review the existing policies of the UPF;
To review the current legal and regulatory framework that impact the police;
To review the existing policing systems with a view to making them capable of supporting the UPF in fulfilling its core and support functions;
To review the existing police structure;
To review the current human resource management and development functions of the UPF; and
To evaluate the non - human resource support functions of the UPF.

Objectives of the National wide Consultations;
The overall objective of the consultative process is to collect stakeholders’ views on the police review so as to have their thoughts incorporated in the Police Review exercise.

Explain to the public the different developments in the Uganda Police Force.
Collect views on different aspects of the UPF performance and operations.
Identify key areas for review in the UPF and how the public can contribute to the Police Review process.
Facilitate understanding and dialogue between the police and the public on policing matters so that both can own this document at the end of the exercise.

The police team is moving around the country to collect public views about how to improve the Uganda Police Force. If you have not been able to give them your views, you can bring them directly to the Public Consultations Walk-in Office situated at Parliament Plaza (Eco Bank Building), Parliamentary Avenue, 1st floor P.O.Box 7055 Kampala Tel. 0414-598 058 Email: policereview2010@gmail.com or on our website: www.upf.go.ug .

Attached are tools which you can read critically and then answer the questions here or you can send your views to policereview2010@gmail.com