East African Gazette
Kampala
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has announced its plan to hire an additional 2,500 Probation Police Constables (PPC) in order to strengthen the force before the 2026 general elections.
Recent manpower audits, conducted under the supervision of Police Chief Martins Okoth Ochola, revealed a reduction of over 2,000 police personnel due to desertions.
In a police advertisement signed by Brig Gen. Jesse Kamunanwire, the police Human Resource Director, and posted on the police’s official X account (formerly Twitter), it is stated that interested candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 23.
They should possess an equivalent of Uganda Certificate of Education (senior four), with at least four credits including English or a pass in mathematics.
Furthermore, applicants must be Ugandan citizens with a valid national identity card and a clean criminal record. They should also be prepared to undergo a 12-month police basic training.
Physical and medical fitness is a requirement, as well as the willingness to work long hours and in challenging conditions throughout the country.
According to the advertisement, candidates must possess good communication skills and should not have any previous or current affiliation with any other armed forces.
Those interested in joining the police force must submit handwritten applications to the Inspector General of Police, along with certified copies of academic documents, a photocopy of their national identity card, and three recent passport-size photographs.
Additionally, applicants must provide an introductory letter from their previous school and a recommendation letter from the LCI, LCIII, and Resident District Commissioner of their respective districts of recruitment.
All required documents should be delivered to the police district/divisional headquarters no later than February 18, 2024.
It is worth noting that the last recruitment of 1,000 PPCs and drivers took place in 2022.
Warns against forgery/impersonation
Kananwire has issued a warning to all potential applicants, cautioning them against impersonation or forging documents.
He emphasized that such actions will result in arrest and prosecution, while those who provide false information will also be disqualified.
Additionally, Kananwire stated that the appointments of new recruits will only take place after the completion of 12 months of training.
The notice clearly states that the purpose of this recruitment is to enhance law and order and improve the effectiveness of crime prevention nationwide.
This recruitment comes two years to the 2026 general elections, which always calls for more manpower.
The police boss further highlighted that the police force currently consists of over 52,000 officers, serving a population of approximately 45 million people. This means one police officer serves 1:832 citizens which falls short of the United Nations recommendation of one police officer for 450 people.
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