Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has embarked on a nationwide review of the deployment and service contracts of Special Police Constables (SPCs), a category of auxiliary personnel who supplement regular police operations.
Addressing the media at the weekly police press briefing held Monday at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma confirmed that the force is assessing the relevance and performance of SPCs, whose contracts operate on a renewable basis.
“We are currently reviewing the deployment of Special Police Constables (SPCs) nationwide. SPCs serve on renewable contracts with the Uganda Police Force. Those whose services remain necessary will be retained, while contracts will not be renewed for those no longer needed by the UPF,” ACP Rusoke stated.
The Police spox clarified that the exercise is aimed at optimizing personnel effectiveness, ensuring that only essential and competent officers continue serving under the SPC framework.
SPCs have historically played a critical role in bridging manpower gaps within the UPF, especially during major national events such as elections, national examinations, and public ceremonies.
Recruited on a contractual basis, the constables are trained to perform supportive policing duties, including crowd control, maintaining law and order at public events, and boosting community policing efforts.
According to police sources, the retention of SPCs has always been based on periodic performance assessments, operational requirements, and budgetary considerations.
ACP Rusoke Kituuma emphasized that the current review exercise is not punitive but is intended to align the SPC program with the evolving needs of the Uganda Police Force. “This review ensures that we maintain a lean, efficient, and reliable auxiliary force that supports national security operations,” he said.
The Uganda Police Force has over recent years, prioritized professionalism and discipline across its ranks, warning that no officer, whether permanent or auxiliary, is immune to disciplinary action where standards are breached.
The final outcome of the review exercise is expected to shape the deployment strategy of SPCs ahead of key upcoming national programs, including preparations for the 2026 general elections and the enhanced implementation of community policing initiatives.
In the aftermath of the 2021 general elections, the Uganda Police Force deployed thousands of SPCs to enhance security across the country. However, following the conclusion of electoral activities, the UPF embarked on a selective demobilization and retention exercise.
Those found to have exhibited exceptional discipline and professionalism were retained and absorbed into various policing operations, while others were let go.
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