By URN
The Inspector General of Police Martin Ochola, has ordered for the recruitment of 2,500 Probation Police Constables (PPCs).
Through the Director for Human Resource Brig Gen Jesse Kamunanwire, the IGP capped the age of the recruits at 18 to 23. The applicants will present among others, a valid National Identification Card, good communication skill, and proof that they have no criminal record.
“They must be Ugandan citizens, ready to undertake the requisite 12 months police basic training, should be physically and medically, ready to work for long hours and at times under difficult conditions,” the message reads.
Three months ago, a police manpower audit revealed a deficit of nearly 3,000 personnel who are suspected to have disserted the force. Before the audit, police figures stood at more than 57,000 officers. During the audit, it was established that although over 5,000 had been officially retired, there were about 2800 personnel whose whereabouts were scanty.
Ochola has recruited and passed out more than 12,000 police officers since he took over office in 2018. However, the figures still fall short of the UN policing recommendations of 1 officer for every 500 citizens. As it stands now, each Ugandan police officer polices more than 800 people. Ochola informed President Yoweri Museveni at the recent pass out that there was need for urgent recruitment.
“Numerically, the Force will now have a staff strength of 49, 928 personnel against a population of 43 million people.This appears pleasant, but still, falls below the internationally recognized ratio and affirms the need for urgent recruitment and training,” Ochola said.
The recruitment process expected to end on February 18, will leave out any person who is currently serving or previously served in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Local Defence Unit and Uganda Prisons Service.
Applicants have been urged to present a hand written application letter address to the IGP, accompanied by certified copies of academic documents, photocopy of the Nation ID, three recent passport size photos, an ID from the previous school or introductory letter.
“…must have recommendation letters from LCI, LCIII and RDC from the respective district of recruitment. The file should be delivered to the district or divisional not later than 18th February, 2024,” the recruitment statement further reads.
The IGP has cautioned applicants against presentation of forged documents which will lead to arrest and prosecution in courts of law, applicants who will conceal or provide false information shall be disqualified even during or after training.
