We are yet to find out whether this latest move by the Uganda Police Force calls for celebrations or worry! Well, on the 19th day of October, 2020, Police Spokesperson, Mr. Fred Enanga announced that they would recruit 50,000 Election Constables and an additional 5,000 SPC’s to join the force.
One might wonder why the Uganda Police Force decided to increase its numbers at this particular time and in response to this, Mr. Fred Enanga stated that the major reason why more officers were being recruited was to support the force during the forthcoming general elections. The Police Spokesperson added that the Election Constables would however be disbanded immediately after the elections.
When asked about the welfare of the Constables, Mr. Fred Enanga disclosed that each Election constable would be paid a total sum of 375,200 as their allowance for their services during the election period. He further specified that the suitable candidates would be those that possess a national Identity card, have no criminal record, aged between 18 to 40, and have a proven record of volunteering with police.
However, all this left the public worried with some wondering whether the Election Constables would be given thorough training so as to ensure that they observe people’s human rights while conducting their duties in the election period.
History has taught us a mal-trained force is nothing but a danger to society as seen from the several cases of brutality by the Local defense forces while enforcing the COVID-19 regulations earlier this year. In addition to this, several Human Rights Advocates fear that recruitment of officers at such a time will intimidate the public. In fact, the Uganda Police is said to require 14.1 Billion for training its officers.
We await to see what comes out of it!
