Kabalye, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni presided over the largest pass-out parade in the history of the Uganda Police Force (UPF), commissioning 9,952 newly trained officers and urging them to uphold discipline, reject corruption, and embrace modern crime-fighting methods as they begin national service.
The graduates comprised the 25th Intake of Probationer Police Constables and the 3rd Intake of the Immigration Officers’ Course, who completed their initial training at Police Training School (PTS) Kabalye in Masindi District.
Simultaneously, probationer police constables undergoing training at Police Training School Ikafe in Yumbe District also held a virtual pass-out ceremony, marking the successful completion of their training.
Addressing the graduates on Friday, President Museveni congratulated the officers and commended the Uganda Police Force leadership and instructors for producing what he described as a disciplined and professional force.
“Today at Kabalye, I passed out 9,952 officers comprising the 25th Intake of Probationer Police Constables and the 3rd Intake of the Immigration Officers’ Course. I congratulate them on successfully completing their training and commend the Police leadership and instructors for producing a disciplined force,” Museveni said in a post via X.
The President reminded the officers that integrity and discipline remain the cornerstone of public service and warned them against engaging in corruption, which he said undermines public confidence in law enforcement.
“Discipline and integrity are the foundation of service. They must reject corruption, safeguard their health, and use modern tools such as forensic science, K9 units and CCTV to defeat crime.”
Museveni further emphasized that security agencies have a broader responsibility beyond law enforcement, saying peace and security are critical for economic transformation and wealth creation.
“Security must also support wealth creation by protecting our people and ensuring every Ugandan joins the money economy,” he added, urging them to serve Uganda with patriotism and dedication.
The ceremony marked a historic milestone for the Uganda Police Force, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba revealing that this was the first time nearly 10,000 recruits had graduated simultaneously.
According to the IGP, the 9,952 recruits represent a 20.5 percent increase in the force’s manpower. “This is the first time the UPF is training and passing out 9,952 trainees in one go. This number represents an increase of 20.5 percent to the current manpower strength, which stood at 48,417.”
Following the graduation, Uganda Police Force strength has risen to 58,369 personnel, comprising 43,737 male officers (75 percent) and 14,633 female officers (25 percent).
The latest intake itself includes 6,468 male recruits (65 percent) and 3,484 female recruits (35 percent), reflecting continued efforts to improve gender representation within the force.
The increased numbers have also improved Uganda’s police-to-population ratio to approximately one police officer for every 839 citizens, based on the country’s estimated population of about 49 million.
The IGP noted that strengthening manpower forms part of the force’s broader transformation agenda aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing community policing and responding to evolving security threats.
He added that the Uganda Police Force’s Five-Year Strategic Policing Plan (2025/26–2029/30) has been deliberately aligned with the objectives of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
“All our efforts are geared towards full support of national development programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and Emyooga through the provision of security and peace.”
Speaking during the ceremony, Assistant Inspector General of Police Joseph Obwona, Director of Interpol and International Relations, challenged the newly graduated officers to remain faithful to the oath they had taken.
“I urge you to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity as you embark on your journey of service to the nation. Remain committed to your oath and dedicate yourselves to protecting and serving the people of Uganda.”
Meanwhile, Police Training School Kabalye Commandant Commissioner of Police Patrick Lawot said the graduates had successfully completed an intensive training programme designed to prepare them for the realities of policing and immigration service.
“Following the successful completion of rigorous training, the fears and uncertainties that often accompany such a demanding journey have been overcome, and the expectations of the training programme have been satisfactorily achieved.”
Lawot said the graduates had acquired the professional knowledge, practical skills and ethical values necessary to serve Uganda effectively.
“The trainees are now fully equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional values required to serve as Police and Immigration officers, ready to faithfully serve their Motherland, Uganda.”
He added that beyond policing skills, the recruits had been trained to appreciate the importance of peace, security and the rule of law in promoting national development.
“Peace, security and the rule of law are the bedrock of national development. They have therefore been trained to serve selflessly, uphold integrity and make meaningful contributions towards Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and prosperity.”
The latest graduation forms part of the government’s continued investment in expanding and modernising Uganda’s security sector. In recent years, the Uganda Police Force has increasingly adopted forensic science, digital surveillance, canine units and community policing strategies to improve crime prevention, investigation and public safety across the country.
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