By eastafrican gazette
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has expressed worry over the increased manipulation of their uniforms, stating that it must cease immediately.
This, they claim, is prevalent among private security organisations, bouncer associations, political groups, and individuals, who have primarily adopted the dark black uniform for counterterrorism police, khakhi for general duties, and white traffic uniforms, as well as rank insignia (PIP).
The police force’s spokesperson, Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP) Fred Enanga, stated that utilizing the insignia of the police and sister agencies such as the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Prisons Services is illegal and must be stopped immediately.
“For Private Security Organizations Regulations 23(3) of Statutory Instrument 2013 NO.11; The Police (Control of PSOs), gives guidance. For other individuals and groups, the unauthorized duplication and manipulation of rank insignia and accoutrements of the police and other Sister Agencies like the UPDF and Prisons Services, is a violation of the laws, under the UPDF Act, Penal Code and other Statutory instruments, that gazette the uniforms,” he noted.
“We continue to observe an increase in the manipulation of police uniforms, where private security organizations, Bouncers Associations, Political groups and individuals, have adopted the darker black uniforms for the counter-terrorism police, Khakhi for General Duties, white uniforms for the Traffic Police, among others, as well as rank insignia (PIPS), shoes, belts and lanyards. They purposely adopt these uniforms to appear authoritarian and militaristic. Some wear them to convey a more aggressive message to the public,” he added.
Enanga stated that the police uniform is one of the most identifiable symbols in society, allowing officers to be easily identified by members of the public and distinguished from civilians.
He emphasized that the distinction benefits the public by signaling who they should contact when in crisis, so creating a sense of safety.
“Furthermore, the uniform projects an officer’s authority to arrest and protects them from interference by the public, when controlling a situation, including the use of force,” he added.
He stated that authorities have confiscated multiple high visibility vests, jackets, sunglasses, black outfits, and other similar combinations from Bouncers (under BAU) and other PSOs, making them appear more militaristic and combat hardened.
Enanga claimed that uniforms were also inappropriately impacting public perceptions.
“The operations remain active and ongoing,” he added.