The Uganda Police Force has passed out 1,910 Election Special Police Constables (ESPCs) at Kazo Secondary School, significantly strengthening security preparations ahead of the forthcoming election period.
The constables, recruited on a three-month contractual basis, were drawn from Kazo, Kiruhura, and Ibanda districts and trained to support election-related security operations. Of the total number, 564 are from Kazo, 526 from Kiruhura, and 820 from Ibanda.
Speaking at the pass-out ceremony on Thursday, Kazo District Police Commander (DPC) SSP Joseph Nsabimana said the joint training for the three districts was successfully conducted and praised the recruits for their discipline and commitment.
“The training covered all the three districts, and I commend the trainees for the high level of discipline exhibited throughout the programme,” SSP Nsabimana said.
“I also thank the Inspector General of Police and the entire police leadership for the support that enabled us to conduct this training successfully.”
The Kazo District Returning Officer, Charles Basheija , who witnessed the ceremony, applauded the skills demonstrated by the constables and reminded them of their responsibility during the election period.
“You must observe the law, maintain discipline, and strictly follow instructions as you execute your duties,” Basheija said.
“Your conduct will be critical in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.”
As the host district leader, Kazo LC5 Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda thanked the Uganda Police Force and government for selecting Kazo as the training centre.
“We are grateful that Kazo was chosen to host this important training,” Rev. Katugunda said.
“Security in Kazo is now on another level, and this is a result of strong collaboration with the police.”
He also appealed to authorities to consider the future of the trained personnel beyond the election period.
“These young people have acquired valuable skills. We appeal to the police and government to plan for their future employment after the elections,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Kazo County, Dan Atwijukire Kimosho, described the training as a call to national service, urging the constables to remain professional and patriotic.
“This is a call to serve the nation,” Atwijukire said.
“Uphold the law, protect peace and order, and remain patriotic because your conduct will influence the direction our country takes in the next five years.”
The Kiruhura Resident District Commissioner (RDC), George Bakunda, commended the organisers and instructors and challenged the constables to apply their training responsibly.
“Implement what you have learned and maintain discipline, especially on polling day,” Bakunda said.
Kazo District RDC Capt. Yahaya Kakooza urged the passed-out constables to serve with integrity and professionalism.
“Obey commands, serve the nation patriotically, and avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases,” Capt. Kakooza cautioned.
“Avoid loose talk while on duty because your performance will be closely monitored.”
He also commended both trainees and instructors for completing the training without any reported cases of indiscipline.
The ceremony was attended by police officials from the three districts, Rwizi Regional leadership, and other local leaders, underscoring the importance of coordinated security arrangements ahead of the elections.