A total of 7,018 former Special Police Election Constables have graduated after completing formal training at the Police Counter Terrorism Training School in Olilim, paving the way for their deployment under Licensed Private Security Organisations (PSOs).
The programme offers a structured career transition for personnel who previously served during Uganda’s election period and are now being integrated into the private security sector.
The trainees, drawn from 32 policing regions across the country, underwent intensive instruction across 16 modules. These included weapons safety, guard and escort duties, counter-terrorism awareness, crime scene management, and professional ethics.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba, who described the initiative as a landmark step in the development of Uganda’s private security industry.
“This is the first time Uganda has undertaken formal large-scale training of personnel for the private security sector. After the elections, the Police leadership found it appropriate to integrate the former election police into private security rather than allow their talent to go to waste,” Byakagaba said.
Frank Mwesigwa, Director of Operations and Supervisor of Private Security, said the programme was designed to enhance professionalism and ensure private security personnel meet national standards.
“We want to professionalise the sector and ensure all personnel are properly trained. We are also streamlining private security uniforms so that they are clearly distinct from those of the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces,” he said.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by senior security officials, including Francis Chemusto, Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU); Allan Kyangungu, Deputy Division Commander of the 3 Infantry Division; Wilfred Waigo, District Police Commander of Napak; and the Regional Police Commander of Mount Moroto Region, among others from both the UPDF and Uganda Police Force.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen professionalism, create employment opportunities, and improve standards within Uganda’s growing private security industry.
