INTRODUCTION

History of Uganda Police

Uganda Police was founded in 1906. At the start, the force had a primary function on containing a civil strive during the error of colonial government. The need to put mechanism in place to control traffic started in 1926. The increment in traffic activity needed control. This was achieved by selected constables, who were trained and posted to fixed points in Kampala. Those constables were supplied with red armlets which were heavily distinguishable. In 1928, the mobility of the force was realized. There was the creation of the flying squad of NCOS and constables mounted on motorcycles and side cars. This move was particularly aimed at enforcing highway regulations as well as investigation of the evasion of payment of motor and trade licences, as well as bicycle licences

In the 1930s, owing to rising numbers of motor vehicles o the Ugandan roads, it was realized that the creation of records of vehicles in the country.. In 1930s, the vehicle census was put at 3619 recorded vehicles in Uganda. In 1940, central registration of motor vehicles wa started. In the same year, a new traffic ordinance came into being, aimed at the following:

• Provision of third party
• Provision and control of all public services vehicles
• Obligatory use of license disks
• Introduction of annual driving permits.

The first police vehicle was bought in 1933. The mobile traffic section was created in 1937 and one officer was posted to police headquaters. Three inspector of vehicles (IOVs) were posted to Kampala and Jinja and were charged with the duty of patrolling, investigation and reporting of traffic accidents. Trffic control board was set up to advise government on traffic matters and to consider licenses for public vehicles. 1938 saw re organization of this traffic section ie. a special mobile traffic section was formed. The rank inspector of vehicles was abolished. The above was replaced by Appointment-inspector of vehicles.

In 1938, a new traffic ordinance was put in place. The 1950 colonial government set a road safety committee to look into strategy growth of accidents. Police was given more responsibility over accidents, more recommendations in reports and records. Increased police mobility was also emphasized. Improvement in terms of capacity building of existing traffic branches was also encouraged.

In 1951, an officer recruited in England and posted to Police headquaters as a police supretendant. In 1952, Police driving school opened. Emphasis was training of NCOs and constables. The force, just like any part of the economy was affected by political changes that existed at that time

Despite of the above, some notale changes have taken place

Uganda police in 1956

Mission statement

To enhance traffic and road safety for all road users through out the country

Objectives of the department

• To achieve accident reduction in road facilitiesand eneral carnage on the road
• To enforce road discipline especially in Urban areas
• To ensure uptodate records of traffic reports
• To setup road safety education
• To build capacity in the Traffic department by recruitment and training of personnel

The traffic and road safety department is under the directorate of operations that is headed by an assistant Inspector General of police/Operations (AIGP/O)