By A recent report by the Auditor General highlights ongoing challenges within the Uganda Police Force (UPF), including a severe housing deficit, resource mismanagement, and operational inefficiencies across critical units. Despite significant government investments in infrastructure, including over 420 apartments in Naguru and other housing units countrywide, 53% of police officers still lack adequate accommodation.
The report, covering the financial period ending June 2024, reveals that many officers are forced to reside in substandard and unsafe conditions. It notes: “At the time of reporting, 53.1% of the 38,460 entitled officers had no adequate accommodation, compelling many to live in conditions that pose safety risks.”
The UPF’s housing crisis has persisted despite efforts to improve the situation. Government initiatives, such as the eviction of unauthorized occupants from police barracks and enhanced management practices through the enforcement of standard operating procedures, have not substantially alleviated the problem. For instance, in November 2023, the police evicted squatters from its land in Nakawa and Kira Municipality, yet the report suggests that such measures have yielded limited success.
While the police have reduced construction timelines for housing projects by relying on their engineering unit, from three years to as short as six months, funding constraints have hindered progress. According to the report, funds earmarked for housing projects have been diverted to cover operational expenses, such as vehicle maintenance and feeding, further exacerbating the accommodation crisis.
The report also highlights concerns over the UPF’s procurement practices. It notes that equipment worth UGX 1.059 billion, intended to enhance the Inspectorate of Vehicles’ performance, remains unused in storage. Additionally, funds allocated for procuring land and constructing a police hospital and accommodation blocks in Nsambya and other district police stations have not been utilized effectively.
The UPF’s specialized units, such as the canine and marine units, face significant challenges. The canine unit, which has 280 dogs, suffers from poor deployment, with most resources concentrated in Kampala. Only 88 out of 184 policing districts have canine services, representing a national coverage of just 48%. Moreover, many dog handlers lack refresher training, and 30% of kennels are in deplorable conditions, exposing the dogs to poor living standards.
Similarly, the marine unit has been unable to effectively respond to incidents on Uganda’s water bodies. In the reporting period, the unit managed to respond to only 210 out of 745 incidents, rescuing 323 people and retrieving 243 bodies. Underfunding, a lack of skilled manpower, and the grounding of 18 out of 60 vessels have significantly hampered the unit’s performance.
The Auditor General recommends addressing funding challenges, enhancing resource management, and prioritizing strategic planning to resolve these persistent issues. The report emphasizes the urgent need for investment in housing, operational resources, and training to improve the welfare and efficiency of the UPF.
While the UPF has made strides in reducing its housing project timelines and improving some operational aspects, substantial gaps remain. Addressing these issues will be critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of police officers and enhancing the Force’s capacity to serve the public effectively.
