The Inspector General of Police J.M Okoth Ochola has today launched the National Command and ICT Research and Innovation Centres, a structure under the CCTV Project.

“The command center structure is the heart of C4I that is, command, control, communication, coordination and intelligence for Uganda Police Force in cooperation with sister security agencies. It is where the videos, data and voice of the CCTV and other systems will be monitored from. Therefore it is a vital structure that will house critical installations." Mr. Okoth Ochola made these remarks today during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the National Command Centre at Police headquarters Naguru. During the same function construction of ICT Research and Innovation Centre at Kikandwa, Wakiso district was also launched.

He added: “On the other hand, the ICT Research and Innovation center will be a hub of ICT innovations for security agencies. All software will be in house developed from the center and then systems deployed basing on software developed by our own police officers.” The structure is part of the Safe City Project that started in June 2018.  It will house the main control units of the system which include crime monitoring center, emergency center 999/112, data analysis, data center and traffic monitoring center. It equipped with computers in the four laboratories with each having more than 60 seats to facilitate electronic learning for police officers. The construction of two structures is slated to take eight months and it being done by Huawei technologies limited.   

Mr. Okoth Ochola thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda for supporting the CCTV project as a way of closing the security gaps in the country.

SOURCE: Uganda Police Force / Published: January 21, 2019

If there are two words that are widely misrepresented in the entire criminal justice system, it is the Police bond and court bail.

These two are associated with corrupt tendencies. Legally, the two are rights and surely, the Police bond is totally free of any charges.

Unfortunately, whenever a suspect is released from Police custody on Police bond, many people, including some political actors, complain and allege that Police officers were bribed to take sides and release a “criminal”.

They easily forget or pretend not to know the presumption of the innocence principle in law. This is very unfair.

Equally, courts of law grant bail to those accused before them either on cash or a non-cash basis. This happens to their sureties too. If it is cash, the amount of money payable is specified and paid in the bank.

All you must present before the judicial officers are copies of receipts as proof of payment. What is interesting and probably unknown to many is the fact that this money will be refunded to you immediately the case is concluded in court, whether you are found guilty or acquitted. That is not debatable.

But many people never claim for it as they do not know or never kept their receipts or paid the bail money to fraudsters that pretended to be helping them secure their release. It is simple.

When the case is concluded in courts of law, secure the judgment and write a requisition to the head of that court where you were tried, requesting for a refund of the money you paid for bail.

Once the judicial officer endorses, your money will quickly be processed for payments to your bank account. The communication department of the Judiciary confirmed it to me that it does not even take two weeks to process such money. Therefore, do not leave your money either out of ignorance or negligence.

There are two legal issues we have to fully know. The 48-hour rule and the presumption of innocence principle. It simply means that all suspects are innocent until proof is adduced in courts of law to prove so.

Secondly, they must be taken to court within a period of 48 hours, meaning two days or else, we release them on bond. Many victims of crime or relatives, including the elite, do not want to appreciate the requirements of the law and prefer that suspects are kept in Police custody for as long as the investigations are not complete.

When they are released on bond, it attracts complaints, some twisted with allegations of bribery and manner of corrupt tendencies. A cross-section of the population out there has often accused us, law enforcement officers, of supporting criminals by handling them with kid gloves, releasing them quickly, which annoys their victims.

Well, the demands of the law must be complied with or else, we change the law. But as long as the law is in force, we might not have shortcuts anyway. For those that do not know, I find this presumption of innocence principle a very good legal measure that checks possible excesses by law enforcement officers.

You might disagree with me until you are a suspect yourself. Investigation of crime is a very tough and technical matter. It is too demanding in terms of resources; human and non-human.

When we have a suspect of murder, terrorism, sexual assault, arson, armed robbery, we all agree that this is pretty sophisticated crime that in essence calls for a lot of time.

Remember, the criminals took time planning their ugly act which might not be investigated to break through in only 48 hours. Well, there is a whole world of argument around this.

Some lawyers argue that we can do what we can do in two days, have the suspect taken to court on what we have, continue with investigations as the suspect is on remand to avoid appearing to be in conflict with the law. It is easier said than done.

How will the Director of Public Prosecutions be able to peruse and guide in these two days, have a suspect taken to court for this process?

It is a tough job, a very demanding one by all standards. When officers release suspects on bond as the law so prescribes, there are complaints of corrupt tendencies. When they keep them longer, it attracts complaints too.

The right thing to do is to follow the law, however bad it might seem to be, until it is changed by our good legislators.

Well, some suspects tell their victims that they bought their freedom from Police custody or courts simply to break their spirit. Beware!

By Emilian Kayima / Published: January 13, 2019

The Uganda Police Force is mourning the passing of Commissioner of Police (CP) Josephine Kakooza who was the Director of the famed Police band. CP Kakooza was eulogised by the Inspector General of Police in a statement released on January 11th 2019. Commissioner Kakooza was born on June 8, 1955 and was at the time of her death the longest serving officer in the Uganda Police Force (nearly 50 years of service).

May her soul rest in peace.

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By Edgar Kuhimbisa / Published: January 11, 2019

The Uganda Police Force has issued guidelines for securing concert and performance gatherings during the upcoming end of year / Christmas festive season. According to a press release issued by the Police Spokesperson, SSP Emilian Kayima, these are security and safety guidelines being issued for compliance by organizers of concerts, owners and managers of venues across the country. These guidelines are meant to  ensure the safety and security for all including revelers. organizers and security personnel during this year's festive season.

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 Published: December 6, 2018

The Inspector General of Police, John Martins Okoth Ochola has today commended cooperation between Uganda Police Force and its stakeholders in the fight against crime.

Mr. Okoth Ochola was speaking at a ceremony where he received a building renovated by Mehta Group of Companies and Action Centre that was constructed by Makerere University Walter Reed Project.  The Action Center houses offices of Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Child and Family Protection Unit. 

“The new structures and renovations have given new life to various stations, districts and Regional headquarters. The offices are now open and bright and the buildings are safer and more conducive to the police officers and the general public that accesses police services,” he said.

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The Justice, Law and Order Sector on October 27 2016 held the 2016 edition of the JLOS Recognition Awards during the 21st Annual JLOS Review conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The Chief Justice presided over the ceremony.

Below is a list of recipients for the 2016 JLOS Recognition Awards.

THE JLOS EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY AWARD 

Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)

URSB has excelled in streamlining business registration processes through an on-line business name application solution installed to facilitate online name search and business name reservations.  Services such as name search, reservations and assessment of fees payable can now be processed in one day – an unprecedented achievement in Uganda. URSB’s excellence in service delivery is pivotal to Uganda’s improving ratings in global competitiveness and has significantly contributed to the doing business environment and improved the country’s prospects as a viable investment destination. 

THE JLOS INNOVATION AWARD 

Judiciary 

The Judiciary has been at the forefront of justice innovations over the years. The Judiciary recently launched the Audio-Visual Link project that makes it possible for courts to receive evidence by audio video link from witnesses who cannot appear in court due to infancy, old age, distance and costs. This technology innovation is an effective and cost effective enabler of access to justice for the vulnerable – a signature outcome of the JLOS Third Strategic Investment Plan.

THE JLOS CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD 

Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) 

URSB’s accomplishments in the area of customer service excellence exemplified by the recent establishment of a fully functioning call center and vibrant social media platforms, distinguish URSB's commitment to excellent customer service pivotal to Access to Justice. URSB continues to creatively engage with its clientele through people-oriented services that have transformed the Bureau into a key player and benchmark in efficient and effective service delivery.

Uganda Prisons Service

Uganda Prisons’ customer care approach evident in prison facilities across the country has positively changed the image of the Prisons service. 

THE JLOS HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER AWARD 

MR. Anatoli Muleterwa 

Mr. Anatoli Muletwerwa is champion of human rights awareness in the Uganda Police through sensitization of the public using various media platforms. His pro-people approach has earned him the nickname “omulwani w’dembe ryabantu (high rights defender)” from a popular radio talkshow “Police nomuntu wabuligyo”

ASP Muleterwa is a member of the Paralegal Services and head of community policing, Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP).

THE JLOS MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)

For the unprecedented and successful implementation of the National Identification Project.

THE JLOS PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MEDIA RELATIONS AWARD 

Judiciary

The Judiciary has over the last financial year carried out extensive public sensitization campaigns across the country through barazas, radio talkshows and open days on issues of plea-bargaining, Small claims procedures and other access to Justice issues. The Judiciary has during these sensitization campaigns partnered with other JLOS institutions as a demonstration of the sector-wide approach to access to justice.   Efforts of the Judiciary to reach out to the public are yielding fruits in positively changing negative perceptions about the Judiciary in the public domain.

THE JLOS MEDIA REPORTING AWARD 

MR. Anthony Wesaka  

Anthony Wesaka is a journalist with the Daily Monitor who specializes in reporting on justice, law and order issues. Mr. Wesaka has for the last eight years consistently and objectively covered groundbreaking news and feature stories in many JLOS institutions.

THE JLOS PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION AWARD 

Legal Aid Service Provider’s Network (LASPNET)

LASPNET has constructively and consistently engaged with the Sector on issues of access to justice especially regarding advocacy on the Legal Aid Policy.  

THE JLOS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Lady Justice Leticia Kikonyogo

As a former Deputy Chief Justice Justice and Head of the Court of Appeal, Lady Justice Leticia Kikonyogo served the country and the Judiciary diligently in a glittering career spanning decades. 

Dr. S.P Kagoda 

Having diligently and faithfully served in as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Dr. S.P Kagoda has tremendously contributed to growth of the Justice, Law and Order Sector for more than a decade as a member of the JLOS Steering Committee. He has also been part of the peace process for Northern Uganda and as permanent secretary he led the multi-sectoral team to successfully implement the National ID project – a an unprecedented groundbreaking achievement for Uganda.

Mr. Tommy Ochen (RIP)

As a former Director of Correctional Services, Uganda Prisons who was instrumental in the award winning Prisons Rehabilitation Programme that continues to transform the lives of many prisoners across the country. Mr. Ochen’s selfless and dedicated service as a member of the JLOS Technical Committee was instrumental in shaping the policy and strategy of the Sector.

Though he is departed and no longer with us, the Justice, Law and Order celebrates his contribution and is proud to honor his honorable legacy.

Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi 

Having served in the Sector in various capacities – State Attorney (1981-1992); Deputy Attorney General and Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs (2006-2015) and Attorney General (2015 – 2016), Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi was instrumental in shaping Uganda’s justice, law and order landscape both from a technical, professional and political perspective. For his contribution, leadership and inspiration during the formative early years of the Sector, Hon. Ruhindi’s legacy lives on – through the big strides made by the Country and the Sector in the rule of law and administration of justice during his 35 years of diligent, people oriented and dedicated service.

For more information and inquiries on the JLOS Recognition Awards, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Uganda Police Force on Tuesday unveiled a 5-year project that will see thousands of housing accommodation units constructed in Naguru next to the Police headquarters in Naguru. According to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen. Kale Kayihura, construction of houses aimed at solving the problem of accommodation in the Uganda Police force. “Right now we have over 5000 habitable units all over the country whereas 4000 other units have been condemned. We hope by the end of the next 5 years we should have constructed over 40,000 units.

Gen. Kayihura said provision of decent housing will complement officer’s salaries and enable them stay in close proximity to the barracks. “In most cases these officers don’t have enough money to help them rent decent houses. There is need to keep them inside barracks because most of them are professionals like engineers, doctors and IT specialists,” he urged.

According to the State Minister for Internal Affairs Hon Obiga Mario Kania,Government is committed to providing good accommodation facilities to police officers in appreciation for the good work they have done for the country.

The Police accommodation project will see over 1020 housing units covering a total of 17 blocks for police officers constructed. Each block will have 4 floors totaling to 60 apartments each having 2 bedrooms.

By Edgar Kuhimbisa | Published: September 28 2016