The police leadership has warned trainees against exhibiting acts of indiscipline during their forthcoming deployment in the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections. Police intends to deploy 10,000 trainees to beef up security during the polls.
In order to ensure the trainees do not become a centre of chaos during polls, the police director of operations Assistant Inspector General of Police-AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, and his deputy Commissioner of Police -CP Okosh have made preparatory visits and talks.
Mwesigwa, has visited Kabalye Police Training School (PTS) in Masindi district where 5000 of the 10000 recruits are undergoing training. These trainees’ training schools w will temporarily be halted in January as they will be deployed for elections security.
Other recruits are being trained at Olilim PTS and Ikafe PTS in Katakwi and Yumbe districts respectfully. At least 3,000 trainees are at Olilim PTS in Katakwi district and 2,000 are at Ikafe PTS in Yumbe district. These started their training in August this year.
Police Public Relations department headed by ACP Kituuma Rusoke, posted on social media pages that the visits to the trainees are intended to prepare them for security reinforcement during the election period across the country.
“AIGP Mwesigwa Frank, the Director of Operations, has briefed police trainees, as they prepare to reinforce security during the election season across the country. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public order,” Police said.
Uganda, according to Electoral Commission, has over 34,000 polling stations which require at least two or more security personnel to guide the voters but also to prevent the possible chaos inside the poll centres.
Mwesigwa and Okosh visits to training schools starting with Kabalye PTS reminded the trainees of their roles which include ensuring the safe movement of voters, protecting electoral materials, and neutralizing opportunistic criminal activities.
“These trainees will prevent election-related triggers. In these briefings, AIGP Mwesigwa highlighted the need for discipline, clear command intent, strategic deployment, and strict adherence to the command chain,” police said.